BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A church with a lineage tracing back to the 19th century is set to close its doors and generously donate a significant portion of the proceeds from its building’s sale to charitable organizations in a Pennsylvania city named after the birthplace of Jesus.

Trinity United Church of Christ in Bethlehem will conduct its final service this Sunday, marking the end of its long-standing presence. The congregation plans to distribute nearly $400,000 in Christmas season charitable donations, according to reports.

Similar to many houses of worship across the nation, Trinity has faced a decline in membership, prompting the sale of its stunning Gothic Revival-style church building, complete with impressive stained-glass windows, to another congregation.

Trinity was established in 1972 when three congregations—Zion, Calvary, and St. Paul’s Reformed Church, which had origins dating back to 1888—came together. St. Paul’s originally acquired the building in 1957. Built in 1913, the church’s leaders, after the sale, selected donation recipients based on active involvement from church members.

“We take great pride in the contributions we’ve made to the community through our food pantry and various volunteer efforts. Our goal is to leave a legacy that ensures those efforts continue,” stated Trinity’s pastor, the Rev. Den Schappell.

The organizations benefiting from the donations will include local homeless shelters, food pantries, church ministries, Jefferson Elementary School nearby, the music program at Moravian University, and a local chapter of the Boy Scouts of America.

As part of this bittersweet occasion, Trinity members will come together for a final liturgical service this Sunday, providing an opportunity to reflect on their collective achievements and contributions to the community.