One Bethlehem congregation marked its final Christmas Eve service Tuesday, a bittersweet liturgy for a church formed decades ago but whose roots trace to the 19th century. Like other places of worship , Trinity has seen a decline in membership.
Leaders of the Trinity United Church of Christ in September completed the sale of the Gothic revival-style building, with its large stained glass windows, and half a parking lot to Riverbend Community Church . The Hanover Township, Lehigh County, congregation will begin holding services there early next year, according to its website.
Trinity members, while ending decades as a parish at East North and Center streets, are finalizing their legacy with a number of monetary gifts this Christmas season to assist thousands of people.
About half of the church’s proceeds from the sale of the property, or $371,000, is going to various organizations, including Bethlehem Area School District. The district’s Jefferson Elementary School, several blocks away in the 400 block of East North Street, is receiving $10,000, with a portion of the money to be used to create an outdoor learning space.