Bascom Union UCC to close

BASCOM — Union United Church of Christ of Bascom, 575 N. Ash Street, was founded in 1852 and will close its doors at the end of the month. June Obarr, secretary, treasurer and long-time church member, said a vote was taken a year ago to give the church until December 2024 to decide whether or not to stay open, based on attendance and membership. Numbers remained low through the year, she said, with the ultimate outcome being the closing of the church. At one time, she said, Union UCC had over 200 members on the role, and 75 remained five years ago. "2020 didn't help at all," she said, and approximately 30 individuals are officially on the role in 2024. "We've lost people and are down to 3-8 (parishioners attending services)," Obarr said. Obarr said remaining members have not voiced their church attendance plans for the future, but pastor Barb Osborn already is part-time at Bettsville Zion United Church of Christ. Pastor Osborn has been splitting her time between Union UCC and Bettsville, Obarr said. An online auction of church property will take place from Jan. 6, 2025 to Jan. 27 and an online auction of the physical building will be on March 11, she said. Obarr said Union UCC will have a Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. and the final service at the church will take place Dec. 29.