Wayne Church, Thrift Store Closing Down Permanently

WAYNE, NJ — A church and its thrift shop affiliate have announced that they will be closing their doors for good.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, located at 1219 Ratzer Road, will be officially closing its doors next month.

St. Michael’s announced its plans to close on Dec. 28, 2025, citing a lack of clergy to lead its sermons. Church leaders encouraged those looking to worship to do so at Christ Episcopal Church, located at 400 Ramapo Avenue in Pompton Lakes.

“What’s important for everyone to know is to continue to worship our Lord in community, and one of the most meaningful ways is through the Body of Christ at a church,” a St. Michael’s statement read.

While the church hasn’t held worship since Dec. 28, its parish office will officially close on Feb. 28.

The church’s congregation was founded in 1957, when worship was held in the Wayne Valley High School cafeteria. The mission’s church was built in October 1959, operating for nearly 70 years.

Funds to keep the church’s support the community through rent, and food assistance, and more were raised through donations as well as proceeds from its thrift shop. It sold all kinds of items, including jewelry, clothes, furniture, and more.

The thrift shop will officially close its doors on Feb. 11. It will be open on the first two Saturdays of the month, as well as on its closing day on Feb. 11.

The shop is no longer accepting donations due to the closure. Affiliates ask that donations be brought to Christ Episcopal Church in Pompton Lakes.

“We are also grateful to every member of St. Michael’s over the years who have led or participated in the many ministries of this church. It was truly the working of the Body of Christ at its best! Many lives were changed forever as the Love of Jesus was spread,” St. Michael’s statement read. “All in all, St. Michael’s has been exceedingly blessed!”

Come March, the Diocese of Newark will assume responsibility for the care of St. Michael’s property.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated what the church's thrift shop funds were used for.