Parishioners and community members join in celebration and remembrance at the final service at the Community Presbyterian Church of San Manuel. Photo by TC Brown
Past and present congregation members joined others from the community at what was the last service held at the Community Presbyterian Church of San Manuel. The church began in 1957 in this Arizona mining town. The 68 years of service for the church building came to end on Sept. 28, 2025. It went out, like it had survived for the many years, with scriptures read, sermons shared, times remembered, and music of hymns sung out boldly. It is with sweet sadness that this season at the church has come to an end.
Those who attended the final service were offered the opportunity to share their memories and thoughts. Several individuals did share what they remembered about the church and how it shaped their lives. In the end, the people of the church and activities shared there were a large part of what the church meant to so many. Those memories remain.
Some of the people mentioned include Reverend Jeff Dixon and family, Reverend Lovingood, Reverend Manross, Betty Barksdale, The Bunches, Jerri and Nick Carter, Carolee and John Cubbage, Dr. and Mrs. Findley, Grace Honea, Ivy and Harcourt Huckle, The Robbins, Jack Traweek, Lloyd and Betty Thomas and family, Jeannie West, The Winklers, Mary Lou Hudson and so many more. An awesome community indeed.
The church was always a location for all to gather. Farmers markets, street markets, plays, music festivals and more brought the community together over the past 68 years. Christenings, baptisms, weddings, funerals and other gatherings kept the community and families coming back to this little church in the desert. Youth group activities such as plays, mission fundraisers and scavenger hunts helped establish values in those from the church and beyond. It was a shelter in the storm of life for many along the way. The memories of this will not change no matter what happens in the future.
Presbytery Pastor Rev. Dr. Brad Munroe of the Grand Canyon and de Cristo Presbyteries was on hand to honor the memory of the church as well as discuss plans for the property. He indicated the property, and building would be sold. Funds raised in this sale would go towards Presbytery plans and missions in the future. A timeline for the sale was not mentioned, if there is one. Mountain Shadows Presbyterian Church has taken on many of the memorial items. The actions and support of the church and de Cristo Presbytery are greatly appreciated.
Jesus used the mustard seed as an analogy to illustrate the power of even the smallest amount of faith. He emphasized that faith, no matter how small it may appear, can grow and produce remarkable outcomes. The faith of a mustard seed is nonetheless a powerful faith indeed. This church was much like the proverbial mustard seed as it guided many community members in faith far beyond the building itself, growing a lasting legacy that will continue long after the building is gone.
A final note of appreciation for those who were so instrumental in service to the community and church at the end. Special thanks to the elders and staff who were part of the hard decisions and preparation for the planning. They include Arlene Roberts, Sigrid Ross, Frank Howard, Judy Sharff and Reverend Jeff Dixon. Thank you for your faithfulness.
AI research on church attendance indicates: Church attendance has generally declined in the US over the past few decades, falling from over 40% of adults in the early 2000s to around 30% in recent years, though online attendance options offer alternative engagement. A significant increase in non-affiliation has contributed to this trend, but recent data also indicates potential stabilization or even reversal in weekly attendance for some groups.
Key Trends
Overall Decline:
The long-term trend has been a steady decrease in regular church attendance since the turn of the century.
Post-Pandemic Impact:
Attendance was still lower than pre-pandemic levels in 2023, though some data suggest a recent increase in weekly attendance might indicate a shift, according to a YouTube video.
Younger Generations:
Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to have no religious affiliation than previous generations. However, for those who do attend, younger generations show increasing frequency of attendance, potentially indicating increased vitality among those within the faith.
Rise of Nondenominational Churches:
Nondenominational churches are experiencing significant growth, possibly due to their momentum and appeal in a post-Christian culture.
Shifting Patterns
Online vs. In-Person:
While in-person attendance has declined, the growth of online services provides another way for people to engage with religious communities, though it does not necessarily make up for lost in-person attendance.
Self-Reported vs. Actual Attendance:
There’s a notable difference between what people say about their church attendance and their actual behavior. For example, surveys show high levels of weekly attendance, but smartphone data reveals far fewer people actually attending weekly.
Data Sources
Gallup:
Reports a decline in self-reported weekly attendance from 44% in 2000 to 32% in 2023.
Pew Research Center:
Their 2023-24 Religious Landscape Study found that 40% of adults attend in person or online at least once a month.
Lifeway Research:
Shows a decline in regular attendance from 42% in 2000 to 30% more recently, with gains only in Jewish and Muslim populations.