The Final Worship Service of Orrville Baptist Church - August 13th, 2023

This is the final worship service of Orrville Baptist Church. I was at this church from childhood and not only was a musician, but deacon, deacon officer, Vacation Bible School director and more. It was an honor for me to lead the church one last time in congregational worship a little more than 10 years to the Sunday since I first did in 2013.

[@busdriver7123]

Do you know what arrangement of Ancient Words that was at the beginning? It was beautiful

[@SuperUshistory]

Yes. It is a snippet of the ending of Craig Courtney’s arraignment.

[@estelaamistad86]

why final worship service?

[@SuperUshistory]

After a long, long period of decline and dwindling attendance to 35-40, we decided in July to merge with another larger church to become one of their 6 campuses. Orrville could not sustain itself anymore. Attendance has dropped from 150 in 2010 to what it was now. After yesterday, Orrville has faded into history.

[@Richard-vq7ud]

Oh no, how sad. It looks to be a vibrant active church with magnifiscent choir, organist, and pipe organ. What happened?

[@SuperUshistory]

Looks are deceiving. At one time we were vibrant. In our heyday we had over 700 in attendance weekly. Now we are down to about 35-40 in these large facilities with a senior congregation. We have done all we can over 15 years to try and keep it going, revitalize, and grow but have been unsuccessful. We have merged with another large church to become one of 6 campuses for them. Orrville has faded into history after yesterday.

[@Richard-vq7ud]

@@SuperUshistory May God bless you and your congregation as you accept the end of Orrville. I can feel the heartache just watching the video. Good news is that God remains close to the broken hearted, and those who are crushed in spirit He saves. You are so right about how looks can be deceiving. My grandma always said "Dont believe everything you hear, and only half of what you see. Similarly, my mom always said "all good things will come to an end." May God heal your faithful congregation and help everyone with the consolidation transition. Thank you for the reply. May God bless you.