Sarah Jane Johnson says farewell after nearly 99 years, UHS CEO talks building future
The United Health Services CEO spoke on plans for the space as the congregation looks to the future
JOHNSON CITY – January 18 was a sad day on Johnson City’s Main Street, as the congregation of Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church said goodbye to their church building in a final deconsecration service.
Attended by over 70 people, the service was somber, with glimmers of hope as the congregation prepared to start its new chapter worshipping at Boulevard United Methodist Church, about a mile away.
The process of selling the church building began in April. United Health Services announced in December that it would be buying the property, expanding the footprint of the Wilson Hospital campus.
The church is a familiar landmark at the gateway to downtown Johnson City, and many voiced concern about the future of the building in the face of the sale, given its connection to local history.
The main building of the church was completed in June 1927 at a cost of $438,000, and Harry L. Johnson’s wife donated the pipe organ in his memory of Harry L. Johnson by his wife, according to the church website.
The first worship of the congregation took place in 1890 at an Endicott Johnson shoe factory. As the congregation grew, George F. Johnson offered to construct a new church if it could be named in memory of his mother, Sarah Jane.
Pastor Carolyn Stow said that the church is now “in a season of prayerful discernment, listening for God’s guidance as it considers what comes next” as far as determining the next permanent home for its congregation, engaging in discussions with Boulevard United Methodist Church about “possible shared ministry”.
“That discernment includes finding a new home for this community of faith—one that allows worship, service, and ministry to continue with faithfulness and care,” Stow said.
The congregations started collaborating in July of last year, with the congregations worshipping together and alternating venues.
At the moment, each congregation continues to have its own independent administrative structure as discussions on next steps continue, finding the best ways to mutually utilize the new space and continue each group’s service work.
“There’s always growing pains,” said UMC District Superintendent Rev. Bob Kolvik-Campbell.
“We have to find places to do stuff, and we've got to find ways of bringing things together so that spaces can be used mutually. That's what's happening.”
Sarah Jane Johnson Church’s service work includes free bike giveaways and repairs, and weekly free meals on Tuesdays.
“I'm feeling very sad because it's been a wonderful place,” said Shierley Moehring, who has been a member of the church since the 1970s, and noted a sense of real camaraderie among the congregation.
“A lot of memories because I've been here for about 50 years, and a lot of wonderful people. We've done a lot of good works here, and it's just sad to see that we can't continue to use the building.”
UHS Discusses Plans
John Carrigg, President and CEO of UHS, said that as plans are formalized for the use of the building, “the significance of the church to this community will always be in our minds” and that the company intends to “preserve the aesthetic beauty” of the building.
“On behalf of UHS, I would like to say that we have the deepest respect for the history of this church for the generations who have gathered to worship here, for its long history of active community engagement and outreach, and for its architectural and historical significance as a beautiful landmark here in downtown Johnson City,” Carrig said.
“It is our full intention to preserve the aesthetic beauty of this building, and more importantly, I think, to honor its storied legacy, while we adapt the building to serve our community's health and wellness needs.”
Right alongside Sarah Jayne Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church is the Wilson Medical Center, the flagship hospital of the UHS system. The campus completed a massive expansion in 2024 with the opening of its Wilton Tower, which sits directly across Baldwin Street from the Church.
“Going forward, we see this space as a place of gathering, which will include welcoming community members for activities and events that will strengthen the care we provide for our people and so as we honor the history of this church and all that is, all that it has come to stand for over the years,” Carigg said, without elaborating on specifics.
Stow presented a miniature replica of a peace pole to Carigg that the clergy requested be installed in the courtyard of the building.
Members of the church expressed relief at the apparent intention to maintain the structure.
“I was very encouraged with what John said this morning about what will happen moving forward,” Kolvik-Campbell said.
The UHS choir performed following Carigg’s remarks.
Looking forward
Bishop Rev. Héctor Burgos Núñez delivered a sermon hoping to uplift the attendees, discussing that a church is not a building, rather it is a group of people, and to “always remember that we are pilgrims, that we are tent people, not temple people.”
He said to honor the history of the place as a space for community, faith, baptisms, weddings, funerals, and meals shared.
“Buildings can be a blessing, they are holy tools for the ministry, but they are not the heart of the church, they are not the source of our identity, they are not the measure of our faithfulness,” Burgos Núñez said.
The service can be viewed on YouTube.
Pastor Stow acknowledged there were many questions in the community about the decision to sell, and if it is being made in respect to the legacy of the Johnson family that funded the building.
“We mark this moment with gratitude and humility, honoring those who came before us by continuing to serve those who are here among us now and those yet to come,” Stow said.
“This church believes, prayerfully, deeply, that they do honor that legacy. You see, Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church was never intended to preserve the building for its own sake. From the very beginning, it existed to carry forward a commitment to people, to community, a commitment to courageous faith.”
🎠🙏Thank you for reading!
❗Have an idea for the newsletter? Something you want to see? Want to partner? 🎫Have an event you want listed? Please reach out!
If you like this post, please share Binghamtonian with your friends & consider becoming a paid supporter or giving a donation today to keep this publication alive & independent!
Also! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
❓Was this sent to you? Sign up here
