St. James Church in Ferndale to Close Its Doors for Good
Ferndale, a small, vibrant city known for its strong sense of community, is preparing for a significant change. The beloved St. James Church, located at 241 Pearson Street, will hold its final Mass at 11 a.m. on Sunday, November 2. This closing marks the end of an era for many parishioners who have cherished this space for decades.
A Bit of History
St. James was originally a standalone parish before merging with Our Lady of Fatima in Oak Park in 2012. Together, they became known as Our Mother of Perpetual Help, serving the spiritual needs of both communities. While the Oak Park church, located at 13500 Oak Park Blvd., will continue its operations, the Ferndale location has been deemed too costly to maintain.
A Tough Decision
In a heartfelt letter, Father Paul Chateau, the pastor overseeing both campuses, announced the closure. “It is with a heavy heart that I share that Archbishop Allen Vigneron has issued a decree to proceed with the planned closure of St. James Church,” he wrote. The news, delivered during the Masses held on October 26-27, understandably left many parishioners feeling disappointed.
Father Chateau went on to explain, “We fully understand that some of you are not happy with the decision to close St. James Church. However, the building is closing, not the parish. As we move forward, we must focus our efforts on strengthening and growing Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish.”
Challenges Facing the Building
One of the primary reasons for the closure is the urgent need for roof repairs, which come with a hefty price tag. Over the years, parish meetings were held to discuss the future of St. James, and a committee was formed to explore possible options. The church, which first opened its doors in 1950, has faced declining offertory trends and dwindling attendance that made its lasting viability questionable.
It’s worth noting that St. James School also closed its doors about ten years ago, paving the way for a new chapter in its history as the building was sold for a senior housing development.
Looking Ahead
While some members of the community expressed hope for the church’s continued existence, the archdiocese set specific performance benchmarks that ultimately were not met. As a result, the decision became final, and any donations made for maintenance and repairs have been returned to the donors.
In a compassionate move, the archdiocese will take care of the cremains currently held in the church’s columbarium. If the St. James building closes, the cremains are to be transferred to Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield. On November 2, the cremains from both Ferndale and Oak Park locations will be relocated, with a special blessing ceremony led by Vigneron at an All Souls Mass scheduled for 9 a.m.
Community Support and Contact
For those seeking more information about the transfer of cremains, they can reach out to Chuck White at 734-635-2598 or via email at chuckwhiteolofsj@gmail.com.
This transition is undoubtedly bittersweet for the Ferndale community as they reflect on the memories formed within the walls of St. James Church. While the building may close, the spirit of community and faith will continue to flourish through Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish. The last Mass on November 2 will surely be an emotional gathering, bringing together old friends and memories for one last service of reflection and gratitude.
