Georgetown, Texas Evangelical Free Church Closing

By Joy Nord

The marquee no longer lights  words of inspiration or worship times. The parking lot is now empty and inside the walls are bare.  On Sunday, April 7, 2013, the nearly 122 year-old Georgetown Evangelical Free Church (EFC) held its last official service. 

The Georgetown Evangelical Free Church was established in 1891 by Swedish immigrants, making it the first EFC in Texas. The EFC allows its members to play an important role in the church's decision-making process. On February 17th, during the congregational meeting, 26 members put the church's fate to a vote: 15 to 11 in favor of closing the church's doors permanently.

For months this decision weighed heavily on the heart's of church members. The main reason behind this vote was the chronic low attendance and the inability to recruit new members to the congregation.

Although the church doors are closed, the life of GEFC has been recorded in The History of the Georgetown Evangelical Free Church published last year by Glynda Joy Nord. Within the book's pages, besides an historical sketch of the church, are the confirmation pictures, a message from all of the pastors who served, a biography of early members, Swedish traditions of yesteryear, and Swedish recipes. The book is available through: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Trafford Publishing.

Additional information is available at:
SweAme - Georgetown EFC Album