A Closed Church’s Sale Feeds Ten Deaneries: A Diocese Shares $260,000 From a Property Sale

• The diocese sold the former St Philip-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Oreland
• $130,000 went to food ministries, $13,000 for each of 10 deaneries
• Another $130,000 went to the merged congregation at St Peter’s, Glenside
• The sale price was not disclosed

An Episcopal diocese has used the sale of a closed church to fund food ministries across its region, Episcopal News Service reported in November 2025.

The Diocese of Pennsylvania sold the former St Philip-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Oreland. The sale price was not disclosed. From the proceeds, $130,000 was divided among food ministries in the diocese’s 10 deaneries, $13,000 each, and another $130,000 went to St Peter’s Episcopal Church in Glenside, the congregation with which St Philip’s had merged. Each deanery had earlier received $5,000 from the bishop’s discretionary account.

“The diocese received a generous offer [to purchase the former church], and we are grateful that the ministry of St. Philip’s continues to give life to those in need,” said Bishop Daniel Gutiérrez. “I offer my deep gratitude to all who continue to feed, clothe, and pray for our neighbors in need.”

One of the receiving congregations, St Luke’s, responded: “On behalf of the people we serve: Thank you.”

When a congregation merges or closes, the proceeds from its building can either disappear into general budgets or be directed to visible ministry. Here, the diocese split the money between the continuing congregation and practical outreach, so the old church’s legacy continues.

Jamaican denominations dealing with closed or merged congregations should agree in advance how any sale proceeds will be used. Setting aside part for the continuing congregation, part for building maintenance elsewhere and part for community ministry can help members accept a sale and see its benefit.

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