Johnson City Church Holds Final Service at Main Street Site

The final worship service has been held at an iconic church building in the heart of the village of Johnson City.

Members of Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church voted last spring to sell the property at 308 Main Street.

A service celebrating the ministry of the church and "blessing its next chapter" was held Sunday.

Bishop Héctor Burgos-Núñez and Reverend Carolyn Stow, the church pastor, led the special service.

The church complex - which includes a social hall - has been a fixture at Main and Baldwin streets for the past century.

The church is named in honor of the memory of George F. Johnson's mother. The founder of the Endicott Johnson Shoe Company made a significant donation to support construction of the church complex.

Héctor-Núñez told those gathered at the service "this building has been truly a gift but it was never the destination." He said "it was a holy tool for part of the journey."

The bishop said the decision by the church members represents "a courageous path, a missional path." He told them "you are choosing mission over maintenance, discipleship over nostalgia."

The congregation of the Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church will worship with members of the Boulevard United Methodist Church on Grand Boulevard in Binghamton starting next Sunday.

United Health Services is preparing to purchase the church property, which is located just east of Wilson Medical Center.

John Carrigg, UHS president and CEO, spoke at Sunday's service. He said "it is our full intention to preserve the aesthetic beauty of this building and, more importantly, to honor its storied legacy."

Carrigg provided no specific details about what UHS intends to do with the property. But he said "going forward, we see this space as a place of gathering which will include welcoming community members for activities and events that will strengthen the care we provide for our people."

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: Bishop Héctor Burgos-Núñez discussed the future of the Johnson City site after the deconsecration service on January 18, 2026.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: The closing moments of the Service of Deconsecration at Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church on January 18, 2026.

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