One of the several old mainline churches along Central Avenue is closing its doors.
Central United Methodist Church has worshipped at the corner of Palm Lane and Central for 74 years in a classic mission-style structure.
As a kid, I’d see it when Dad brought me to his office. As a high schooler, I saw it every time I visited the old Central Phoenix Library on McDowell Road.
My last visit was about five years ago, attending a choral performance with my eldest daughter. Unfortunately, few people have visited since.
After a long decline, the church now hosts an average of just 50 congregants a service. Those who remained voted last month to end the assembly.
I love the old places, but Phoenix is tough on history lovers.
Ever since our founding, old buildings are quickly pulled down only to be replaced with glass and metal boxes. Hopefully, Central UMC’s beautiful structure will be spared that disgrace.
But the congregation’s end highlights the steady change in religious worship, not only in Phoenix but across........