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Final service for historic Huntington church set for Sunday.Final service for historic Huntington church set for Sunday HUNTINGTON, W.Va.(WSAZ) - The emotional end of an era is approaching for a historic church in Huntington.After more than a century of services, the final one ever at Second Presbyterian Church in Huntington is set for 3 p.m.this Sunday.Donna Cowley has been attending there her whole life.She was baptized Christmas morning of 1955 when she was 8.“I guess it’s time,” she said.“All things come to an end.” The original church building along Jefferson Avenue and West Ninth Street opened in the early 1900s.The current church was built in the 1920s.“To me it’s more than a building,” Cowley said.At one time, they had 650 members.Crowds were so large, they’d hold Sunday school classes in 50 separate rooms.On more recent Sundays, Donna and four or five other attendees could be found in the pews.“You get angry about it,” Cowley said.“You don’t want to close up.” The Rev.Julie Hitsman is on the administrative commission with the Presbytery of West Virginia.She says they’re choosing to close the church because of lack of funding and human energy.“I came through seminary knowing that many of our churches were in decline and wondering what God is doing with that,” Hitsman said.“I don’t know what God is doing, but I have to trust that he has a plan, and it’s bigger than any of us.” Cowley knows trying to fight back tears Sunday will be futile.“I’m pretty sure it’s really going to be hard,” she said.“I envisioned this church still being here after I was passed away and gone, but I’ll always have those precious memories.It has served well.” Other churches will be lending their choirs, musicians, and instruments for the final service.Hitsman said everyone is welcome.They’d love to see a big crowd in here one last time.Refreshments will be served afterward.Hitsman says the building is on the market, there are some interested parties, and she hopes it goes to whatever God’s next use for it is.Copyright 2026 WSAZ.All rights reserved.