Episcopal Church to Close Due to Declining Membership

After five decades of serving the community, the Church of the Holy Spirit in Wayland will close its doors.

Rev. Frederick Moser announced that members have voted to close the Episcopal church “because we can no longer provide the services and programs that we would like to offer to Wayland and the surrounding area.”

The parish was incorporated in 1961 and met originally in members’ homes, Happy Hollow School, and Parmenter Health Center. The church building at 169 Rice Road was dedicated in 1963. The church maintained an active schedule of Sunday worship services, Sunday School, youth programs, adult education and musical activities.

“We have participated in a wide variety of social services and projects, including Cristosal Foundation projects in El Salvador, Ecclesia Ministries, Episcopal Relief and Development, Family Promise Metrowest, Habitat for Humanity, Parmenter Food Pantry, Project Bread Walk for Hunger, Transition Wayland, and the United Nations Millennium Development Goals,” said Rev. Moser in a statement. “Through the leadership of our rector, the Rev. Dr. Frederick Moser, we have participated in the work of Wayland’s interfaith community and the Wayland Clergy Association’s Interfaith Intern program with Harvard Divinity School.

Sunday morning worship services at 10 a.m. will continue through June 28. The Rev. Moser will preach and celebrate Holy Eucharist. Dan Loschen of the Rivers School Conservatory faculty will be the accompanist. Weather permitting, we will gather in our outdoor worship space.

A special service in celebration of our history will be held on Sunday, May 31, at 2 p.m. The Right Rev. Gayle E. Harris, Bishop Suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, will be present.

“All are welcome, and we especially invite members of other faith communities in Wayland.”