Gloucester, Rockport Methodist churches to close in November

Michael Cronin, Gloucester Daily Times, Mass.
Updated ·2 min read

Sep. 28—Both the Gloucester and Rockport United Methodist churches are expected to close their doors in November.

The local church congregations have no authority over the buildings, said the Rev. Printice Roberts-Toler, but can make recommendations to the conference of the United Methodist Church which owns them.

His wife, the Rev. Valerie Roberts-Toler, said the Gloucester and Rockport churches will offer ideas to the conference for the buildings that might serves the community and are missional.

"But these are just suggestions," she said. The conference will determine the disposition of the buildings.

As of now, the last planned service in Rockport is Sunday, Nov. 13, and in Gloucester on Sunday, Nov. 20.

The Roberts-Tolers have split pastoring duties at both churches since last summer. The two came out of a two-year retirement to serve the Methodist community on Cape Ann. Printice said this will be his third time retiring.

The couple plan on staying in Gloucester. Printice said he's looking forward to spending more time at his home; the married reverends moved into the Gloucester United Methodist Church parsonage when they began preaching.

"We both love Gloucester," said Printice Roberts-Toler. "We have a lot of friends here that we're very close with."

The Rockport UMC building has garnered the interest of various groups in town. Selectmen met in executive session Sept. 13 to discuss the potential purchase of 36 Broadway, the church's address. Town Administrator Mitch Vieira declined to comment on what occurred during that closed-door meeting.

Printice Roberts-Tolers also said members of the Rockport Fire Department and Rockport Housing Authority have spoken to him about taking the building off of the conference's hands.

As for the Gloucester UMC building, Printice Roberts-Toler said he'd hope it would remain a church. He mentioned Freedom Church, the new Gloucester congregation led by Pastor Kody Aten, as a possible candidate. Freedom Church currently rents space at Beeman Elementary School for its services.

"Kody has a good ministry and a great spirit," he said. "He has a heart for this place."

Michael Cronin may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or mcronin@gloucestertimes.com.

Michael Cronin may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or mcronin@gloucestertimes.com.