KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL)—For more than 76 years, St. Mark United Methodist Church has been a part of the Kingsport community. On Sunday afternoon, the congregation said goodbye to its building on Maple Street.

“It’s been an effort to just kind of honor the 76-year history of St. Mark,” said Jason Mullins, who has served as the pastor of St. Mark since 2022.

In April, the decision to merge St. Mark with Mafair United Methodist Church was made, leading to the closure of St. Mark. Mary Watterson, who served as the Lay leader for St. Mark and now continues at Mafair, expressed her initial ambivalence toward the merger.

“[It’s] Bittersweet,” she said. “I didn’t want it to happen, but I know God is always in control and he’s making all things new.”

The sermon was delivered by United Methodist Bishop James Swanson, who has long-standing ties with the church. He expressed his confidence in the decision.

“I felt like, even though I had some sorrow, that it was going to work out,” he said. “That it was for the best, not only for St. Mark, but also Mafair.”

Members of both churches filled the pews, soaking in their last moments inside the church. Also in attendance were the living former pastors of St. Mark. The sanctuary was filled with singing and shared memories.

“To see all the people and to hear the stories and know that the doors were closing, that’s what made me emotional,” Watterson said.

Although the building will no longer be filled with a congregation, church leaders said the spirit of St. Mark United Methodist Church will forever live on.

“We’re taking the most important part with us, and that’s the people,” Mullins said. “And that is going to continue at Mafair.

Mullins will continue to serve at Mafair until July 1. Timothy Robinson will take over as the pastor of Mafair on July 1, as current pastor Adam Love transitions to his new appointment at Hixson United Methodist Church.