Congregations open up their buildings to serve children, the hungry, the homeless and others in need. Sacred places stabilize neighborhoods, strengthen commercial districts and significantly add to the economic health of our communities. All of this is endangered, however, when congregations can no longer afford to maintain these aging buildings. Partners has developed a family of highly-acclaimed resources to help congregations connect better to their communities, raise capital funds in new ways and preserve their historic building for future generations. We are the nation's only non-sectarian, nonprofit organization dedicated the sound stewardship and active community use of America's older religious properties.
Hope is Alive at Fain Presbyterian Church, Wichita Falls, Texas

Historic churches impact their communities through service and beautiful architecture. Fain Presbyterian Church (FPC), Wichita Falls, fits this role perfectly. And right now, following years of struggle, it is discovering new hope with the help of PSP.

Founded in the 1880s, Fain grew slowly, changing locations numerous times. After almost failing during WWII, it entered its Golden Age, riding the postwar boom that swept through America.

“It was a prosperous era,” says Dave Crawford, Fain’s Pastor since 2000. “Oil money poured into Wichita Falls, as well an influx of new residents. The church developed great leadership, involving itself in local and international mission. This has always been a very special place to the community.”

The Fains, a prominent local family, donated matching funds to purchase land and construct a building near the Country Club. It’s a beautiful, neo-gothic structure, an architectural treasure of north Texas, complete with a basement basketball court. Over the years, FPC has generously shared its quarters with civic groups like Cub Scouts, the Presbyterian Children’s home, AA, and a Men’s Bible Study.

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FPC bucked national trends for mainline denominations. It stayed viable well into the ‘80s. But as children moved away and the congregation aged, it dipped from 400 members to less than 100. Crawford, with a background in church redevelopment, knew something radical needed to happen. Other FPC leaders agreed.

Their first step was to get involved with New Beginnings, a revitalization program of the Presbyterian Church (USA). “We returned from a national conference,” says Crawford, “and immediately formed small groups to discuss our history and hopes for the future. Our members took it seriously. It helped us stop clinging to a past that will never return.”

One of the most significant challenges facing FPC is the size and condition of its aged building. Historic stained glass windows need refurbishing. A sanctuary wall damaged by an extended drought demands replacement. The cost of these repairs and ongoing maintenance are too much for FPC. They are currently seeking someone to occupy the premises, and have spoken with numerous organizations. Anyone who takes on the project will have to spend a small fortune in repair and retrofitting. If that organization will also allow them to stay, FPC would love it.

Despite these daunting obstacles, FPC has not given up. They recently took another step by retaining the services of PSP.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to work with a congregation in Wichita Falls and give something back to this amazing community," says Suzy Yowell, Director of PSP's Texas Office. "We have ties that bind us to this city since our original start up money for the Texas office was a $1 million dollar grant from the Wichita Falls Community Foundation-Dick Bundy Donor Advised Fund in 2006."

Enlivened by PSP’s assistance - especially asset mapping - FPC has come to believe they will survive in a new form, perhaps in a new place.

 “Simultaneously,” adds Crawford, “God has provided a unique opportunity. We are hosting a new congregation that split off from First Presbyterian, and we are exploring the possibility of merging with them.”

This story is not finished. It can encourage many churches across the U.S. facing similar challenges.

“Our core leadership remains very open to change,” says Crawford. “There has been a huge attitudinal shift. New Beginningshelped us leave the past behind, and PSP is giving us viable paths to the future. We are hopeful!”