Staff photo / Bob Coupland Congregation members and guests attend the final worship service Sunday at the Hungarian Presbyterian Church in Youngstown, which is closing and the church is being sold.

YOUNGSTOWN — After being established in 1902 and having as many as 600 to 800 members in its heyday, the Hungarian Presbyterian Church of Youngstown celebrated its final service Sunday as the building is closing and is up for sale.

Many gathered on the wooden pews for the final service at the historic church, which has been located on Mahoning Avenue since 1905. The speakers on Sunday were Rev. Rebecca Kahnt and Rev. Barry Chance from Eastminster Presbytery.

Following the service was a walk through of the church followed by a dinner off-site.

Bill Kohuth of Boardman said the congregation decided that it can’t afford to stay open, noting the costs, especially utilities, are too much to continue maintaining the building.

He said while 51 names are on the rolls for the church, only 15 to 20 attend regularly on Sundays. He said as many older members have died, fewer newer and younger members have been replacing them.

“When we began running out of money, we could not afford a pastor,” Kohuth said.

Kohuth said the church has not had a minister in more than 20 years, relying on the Presbytery pulpit supply, which has a list of retired pastors who would fill in each Sunday. Kohuth said members will join other area churches.

He said the Eastminster Presbytery is in the process of selling the building.

Kohuth’s wife, Shirley, has been the secretary at the church each week preparing the worship bulletins.

“This church has been a big part of our lives. I was baptized here and attended youth fellowship. When we got married, my wife later decided to join the church,” Bill Kohuth said.

Diane Nemeth of Lowellville, who has served as clerk of the church, said she and others did not want to see the church closed.

Nemeth, who was among those who sang Sunday, said she met her husband, Alex, 54 years ago when they were both members of the choir.

“I have always loved the church’s choral music. My husband and I met here and raised our children here. Everyone will always have good memories,” she said.

On the first floor of the church are numerous photos of the history of the church, as well as other memorabilia. On the second floor is a large organ.

Kevin Kislingbury of Logan said he had aunts and uncles who attended the church many years ago and his grandparents, Irene and Jesse Dobay, had their funerals at the church.

Sue Varga of Logan said she saw the information of the church closing online and told Kislingbury about it and they wanted to be there for the final service.

Irene Marshall and her sister, Anne Wear, both of Gustavus, remember when their parents brought them to the church. Marshall said it was sad news it had to close.

“I am glad we are both able to be here for the last service,” she said.

Chance said from the pulpit it was a day of mixed feelings.

“Events like this are always heartbreaking when a church comes to the end of its ministry. This church has such a rich history with many members of the church coming to America. They found their homes in America. They have all been faithful as they take their final steps here at this church,” Chance said.

Nemeth said after a thorough review with Eastminster Presbytery and the church session members, it was decided the church could no longer continue because of a lack of resources within the budgeted framework.

She said a decision was made that larger Hungarian inscribed items will be donated to Hungarian museums or Hungarian churches for use and display.

In 2022, the church celebrated its 120th anniversary with fellowship and a luncheon at Mill Creek Park that September.