Church Closings | Nazarene Presence in the Piedmont Atlantic Megaregion (1898-1917)

The year 1941 had 32 church closings. One wonders about the impact of World War 2, not only of the many men entering military service but also others moving north to work in the factories to build the war machine.

The next time more than 20 churches were closed did not happen until 2002, and, again in 2004. One wonders again what impact the Global War on Terror had upon moving young men and women into military service and out of their communities. 

The 2000s over all were not very good for church longevity. All of the 16 churches with over 75 years of active ministry were closed since 2005. Of these 16 churches, ten were closed in or after 2012. There were 135 churches closed in the 2000s, almost as much as the 1940s (77) and 1950s (68) combined. 

Seventy (70) churches closed after 50 years of active ministry.

The percentage of churches closed within two years, seven years, and twelve years remains consistent with the other megaregions, for examples: Arizona Sun Church Closings, Southern California Church Closings, Northeast Church Closings. 

28% closed within two years
52% closed within seven years
66% closed within twelve years ​

Resources

• Church Presence | Piedmont Atlantic Megaregion
• Other U.S. Megaregions