From San Joaquin-With some prayers and tears, the Anglican parishioners at St. James’ Church in Sonora formally moved out of the building on Wednesday.
The congregation at the historic Red Church gathered for a final noontime service before handing over the building to the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin. It was the final act of closure following years of legal wrangling over who owns the oft-photographed building at Highway 49 and Snell Street, as well as another in Turlock.
During the service, church members and leaders said prayers, sang hymns and shared stories of experiences at the church, built in 1859. After the service, they left and reconvened for a celebratory service at St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church on Highway 108, which will now serve as their home church.
“This is a day that is bittersweet,” Bishop Eric Menees, of the Fresno-based Anglican Diocese, said.
Some dabbed away tears during the service, recalling memories of the church, its longtime priest, the late Rev. Wolfgang Krismanits, and his wife, LaDonn.
Menees, who led the service, recalled his first time in the Red Church shortly after becoming bishop at the diocese. He recalled entering the church with Krismanits and being “so taken” by the space.
“I walked in here, I … It was just like, the Lord is here,” he told the congregation.
More here-
http://www.uniondemocrat.com/News/Local-News/Anglican-parish-bids-farewell-to-Red-Church
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