Bethel United Methodist Church is located on Greenville Drive in Williamston. (Sept. 27, 2012/FOX Carolina)WILLIAMSTON, SC (FOX Carolina) -
An Upstate church is closing its doors after 142 years of service to the Williamston community.
Church members told FOX Carolina Bethel United Methodist Church once was a thriving church, but the economy has hit the congregation hard. They also said members have died and others have moved away.
This Sunday will be the last time the bell rings for service because these doors will close for good and the remaining members will be attending their sister church New Golden Grove in Piedmont.
"This is really a building that we worship in. We will still carry on in our hearts even though the doors won't be open like they normally would be," said Church Administrator Willie Wright.
They will hold a special closing ceremony Sunday at 5 p.m. They will reflect back on the 142 years the church was open in the city of Williamston.
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