After More than a Century, Endicott Church to Close Its Doors

An Endicott church organized over 120 years ago will hold its final service in a few days.

The First United Methodist Church on the corner of McKinley Avenue and Monroe Street is closing because of declining membership.

Rev. Janet Abel, the church's pastor, said "the time has come." She said attendance at recent Sunday services had dropped to seven to ten people.

The church has existed since 1902. The current building was constructed in 1919. Endicott Johnson Shoe Company founder George F. Johnson donated the property.

This stained glass window at First United Methodist Church in Endicott was donated by George F. Johnson. (Photo: Richard Thomas)

Workers were busy at the church in recent days, carefully removing a massive stained glass window that had been a gift from Johnson. The window depicts the businessman holding a child as other children played nearby.

The window is being donated to the Endicott History and Heritage Center.

In addition to the main church building, the property includes a three-story education complex that was opened in September 1969.

The final service at First United Methodist Church is scheduled for February 26 at 2 p.m.

The education building at First United Methodist Church in Endicott on February 16, 2023. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

LOOK: 20 of the strangest natural phenomena in America

From fire rainbows to bioluminescent bays, America is home to some truly bizarre natural phenomena. See Stacker's list of 20 of the strangest natural phenomena in the U.S.

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

LOOK: The states with the most UFO sightings

For each state, we’ve also included details of famous UFO sightings in that state. Of note is that almost three-quarters of all UFO sighting reports in the United States occur between 4 p.m. and midnight, and tend to peak between 9 and 10 p.m. Food for thought next time you're out scoping for alien life. Keep reading to see which states have had the most UFO sightings.

Filed Under: church closing, Endicott, First United Methodist Church

Categories: Articles, Lifestyle, Local News