The longtime home of Sanborn’s First Presbyterian Church congregation may soon serve a different purpose, but such a repurposing will no longer be in their hands. The Church Session made the decision to offer the building to the City of Sanborn for one dollar. The City accepted and also agreed to pay the legal fees to get the building and property transferred.
Before the decision regarding the building, the congregation faced a major decision involving its very existence. A split a number of years ago had reduced membership to around 60 souls. When COVID hit, attendance dropped to an average of 20 people.
In addition, Pastor Gregg Johnson informed the congregation he was retiring at the end of December. That date was moved up a couple of weeks when Johnson underwent back surgery. His last sermon was December 12.
“We were aware that we couldn’t afford to support a full time pastor so we brought a vote up before the members as to stay open or close,” said Clerk of Session Leah Rohwer. “That vote was nearly unanimous to close the doors. Session met soon after with a decision to offer the building to the City for one dollar. The members of the church felt good that the building was going to be used for the good of the community.”
“The church approached me and I took it before the City Council,” explained Sanborn City Administrator Jim Zeutenhorst. “After discussion the Council felt it was best to have some control. With the City Park and school nearby we want to make sure whatever goes in there would be conducive to the neighborhood.” Zeutenhorst noted that the City has possible incentives it could offer to a developer that a church would not be able to offer.
No decision is immanent in regard to a new occupant. “The City is looking into possibilities,” said Zeutenhorst. “The Council members have a few in mind.”
The First Presbyterian Church of Sanborn dates back to January 30, 1881. Their first church building was erected in 1884 on what is now the southwest corner of the HMS Middle School block. In January of 1955 the congregation voted to build a new church building which was dedicated April 9, 1961. That building, located at the intersection of East 5th Street and Franklin Street, has been home to the church members since that time. It now awaits its new calling in service to the Sanborn community.