Kyle Green

essays: the last day of highland park church

These pictures tell the story of the last day of Highland Park Methodist Church in Roanoke, Virginia. The Highland Park Methodist Church, which has stood on this site since 1926 was forced to close due to economic pressures brought about by a dwindling, ageing congregation, whose average age is 73.

Rev. E. Joanne "Jody" Osborne holds a last embrace with nine year old Wina Cole after the final church service held at Highland Park United Methodist Church. The Church, which stood on this site since 1926,closed its doors on June 26. Rev. Osborne brought the Cole family, who are refugees from Sierra Leon into the church three years ago. The Cole family is planning to visit other churches in the area before deciding on a new place to worship. Rev. Osborne will be moving from Roanoke to take over the Cokesbury Charge Front Royal Winchester District United Methodist Church.
  
The hat of Church member, Cameron Dickerson, age 97, rests on a coat rack outside of the final adult sunday school class held at Highland Park United Methodist Church.
   
Richard Kelly (back to camera) teaches the final adult sunday school class held at Highland Park United Methodist Church.
     
  
Cameron Dickerson, age 97, attends the final adult sunday school class held at Highland Park United Methodist Church.
   
Rev. E. Joanne "Jody" Osborne (middle by cross) delivers instructions to her Pastors just before the final church service held at Highland Park United Methodist Church.
  
(As seen through a pair of doors) Rev. E. Joanne "Jody" Osborne delivers her last sermon during the final church service held at Highland Park United Methodist Church.
     
  
Lay Member (and choir member), Mary Lou Akers sings from a hymnal book during the last service held at Highland Park United Methodist Church.
  
Ollie Ford holds back tears while attending the final adult sunday school class held at Highland Park United Methodist Church.
   
Members of the Highland Park United Methodist Church pose for a picture on the front steps after the church's final service. The Church, which stood on this site since 1926, closed its doors on June 26. The church has faced dwindleing numbers and the average age of the members is 73 years old. The future of the building is undecided.
     
  
Church member, Vivianne Harris takes a picture of Jesus off of the wall in the Chapel after the final church service held at Highland Park United Methodist Church. Church members were welcomed to take momentos from the church, and Harris said she would display this picture in her home. The Church, which stood on this site since 1926, closed its doors on June 26.