Closed Churches That Stayed Open: Two Georgia Buildings Become Hubs for Food, Recovery and Worship

• St Michael and All Angels in Savannah became a diocesan headquarters and community hub
• About 350 people are served by ministries there
• Christ Church in Augusta became the Byllesby Center for community ministries
• It offers breakfasts four days a week, community meals and after-school programmes

Two former Episcopal churches in Georgia have been given new life as community centres, Episcopal News Service reported in April 2026.

In Savannah, the former St Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church now serves as the diocesan headquarters and a community hub. Its food pantry has expanded to two days a week, and it hosts support meetings, dance, sewing and karate classes and worship. About 350 people are served by its ministries. In Augusta, the former Christ Episcopal Church has become the Byllesby Center, offering breakfast four days a week, Saturday community meals, after-school programmes, addiction recovery groups and a monthly dinner church.

Bishop Frank Logue explained the approach: “Part of our caring for all that has been entrusted to us means leasing or selling the property and reinvesting the proceeds in ministry elsewhere when a congregation decides to close.” He added: “But finding creative ways to continue to serve the community from that property is also worthy of consideration.”

“It’s basically giving us the opportunity to live into the Gospel every day,” said the Rev Larry Jesion. “Our ministry is to build community.” Communications manager Liz Williams said: “There’s usually a group here doing something, which is great.”

Keeping a closed church as a ministry centre is an alternative to selling, and it can work where a building is well located and partners are willing to use it. Someone must still bear the running costs, so a plan to cover them is essential.

Jamaican denominations facing closures could consider whether some buildings should become community hubs: feeding programmes, homework centres, clinics or training spaces. Costs, management and insurance must be planned, and partner organisations can help carry them, but a building kept in service keeps the church’s presence in the community.

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