St. Luke’s United Methodist Church building in Austin, Texas, may become bookstore and gallery

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church was a fixture of the Clarksville and Old West Austin neighborhoods for more than half a century. Residents went there to vote, bought gourds at its annual pumpkin patch fundraiser, used its childcare, and posed for pictures in an oversized chair on the church lawn.

After 66 years at 1308 West Lynn Street, and following years of declining membership, St. Luke’s closed in 2024 and put its building up for sale. If the Austin City Council approves a zoning change, the property may become a bookstore and art gallery.

The source notes that closures and conversions of churches are not new in the United States or in Austin. Congregations are shrinking, building upkeep is costly, and the Covid lockdown, which kept people away from public gatherings, worsened the situation. In this case, the source says, strong neighborhood support for converting the building suggests the space could continue to serve the community. Pam Golightly, who lives near the church, said, “We’re all very thrilled about it,” adding, “I mean, honestly, we can’t wait.”

A representative of St. Luke’s could not be reached for comment. Golightly said the church struggled with a shrinking membership and expensive repairs. When the congregation decided to close, she said, its leaders met with residents of Clarksville and Old West Austin to ask for ideas about the property, and many residents hoped the church building would remain standing. Mary Reed, a longtime neighborhood resident, said people had worried for more than a year that the building would be demolished for offices or expensive homes. “Everyone I know is breathing a huge sigh of relief,” she said, “and the fact that this beautiful sanctuary will be saved.” Keeping the sanctuary standing also preserves a record of 66 years of the congregation’s life for those who follow (Psalm 78:4).

The source reports that the St. Luke’s properties on West Lynn and West 14th streets drew interest from 18 developers. Graham Brown’s offer was chosen. Before the project can proceed, Brown must obtain City Council approval of a zoning change allowing commercial use of the site. City staff has recommended the change, and the Planning Commission recommended it at its most recent meeting. The City Council will make the final decision to approve or deny the request.

Some neighbors have raised concerns that a new business would worsen existing traffic problems in the changing neighborhood. Still, about three dozen residents sent letters of support to the Planning Commission, saying the proposal fits the community’s character and keeps the church building intact. The Old West Austin Neighborhood Association also endorsed the plan.

The source places St. Luke’s within a broader pattern. Churches across the country have closed for decades because of shrinking congregations, aging members and the cost of maintaining large older buildings. Researchers cited in the report say as many as 100,000 houses of worship nationwide, about a quarter of those now in existence, could close in the coming years. Researchers attribute the decline to several factors: fewer Americans identify with a particular religion, fewer young people attend services and contribute financially, and the pandemic led many people to stop attending in person.

Chris Miller, chief lending officer of the Texas Methodist Foundation, said many religious groups are now deciding whether they need to close and, if so, what to do with their property. The foundation provides financial services, grants and loans to religious organizations in Texas and New Mexico.

Source: Read the original report