Nearly 90 percent of the congregation is leaving St. Nicholas' to begin Christ Church Midland (Anglican Communion) after Bishop Wallis Ohl of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas told those who were dissatisfied with the direction of the national Episcopal Church to leave the St. Nicholas church building by June 1. Controversy has been over Biblical teachings and the denomination's election of a gay bishop and stance on same-sex marriage blessings.

"At this last gathering of our congregational family, there will be grief, but also hope and confidence as we move forward to share Christ's love as a new church, Christ Church Midland," said the Rev. Jon Stasney, rector of St. Nicholas.' "Bishop Ohl's instruction that we leave our church home hurts us deeply, but it's clear God is calling us to stand up for Biblical values and share Christ's love in new ways. We are standing with the majority of Christians throughout the world and throughout time."

Similar sentiments were expressed by parishioners Sunday.

David Worland, a member of St. Nicholas' vestry, plans to attend Christ Church Midland. Though he is sad to leave his "church family," the move is something that has been in the works for some time, he said.

"This last service is a bittersweet ending, but a happy beginning for those of us moving on to Christ Church Midland," Worland said. "We've been in a holding pattern for about 2 1/2 years, and this is something my wife and I feel we have to do. We will still be worshiping the same God, but we just have a difference of opinion about the national Episcopal Church."

Bob Bledsoe said he, too, is sad to leave, but he has taken comfort in the words of the Bible. He also has taken comfort and gives thanks for the "overwhelming support of the community."

"I keep thinking about how the Bible says God does not reside in temples made by human hands. I know that where we are together, there is the spirit of God," Bledsoe said.

Members choosing to remain at St. Nicholas declined to comment.

Jananne McLaughlin, director of admission for Trinity School, attended Sunday's service, and said she is unsure at which church she will worship in the future. McLaughlin praised church leadership for handling the situation well.

"I'm very please members of both sides have been able to work with each other in love," she said.

Members and clergy from other area churches came Sunday to show support for those leaving St. Nicholas.

"I really believe the stand they took is important," said Kevin Sparks, a member of Stonegate Fellowship. "My wife, Jill, and I wanted to come and show our support."

The Rev. Mark Cannaday, of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, said he "stands beside (those leaving) without reservation. They are persons of great integrity and they did this with great decency."

Bishop Jack Iker of the Forth Worth Episcopal Diocese said it was a hard choice they had to make, but it was, "one that upholds Scripture."

"It's sad to see them lose their building, but buildings are not what the faith is about," Iker said.

The Rev. Ron McCrary traveled from Kansas to take part in the service. McCrary is the rector of Christ Church of Overland Park Kansas (Anglican), which recently went through a similar separation. However, they were able to purchase their church building from their Episcopal Diocese. Stasney said Christ Church Midland was named after the church in Kansas.

McCrary said he came to Midland to show the new members of Christ Church Midland that "they are not alone," and he is honored to have the new Midland church use the namesake.

"You can't really improve on the name Christ Church can you?" he said.

Other clergy members who assisted with the final service included The Rev. Robert Walter of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, The Rev. William Tapley, The Rev. Michael Philliber of New Life Presbyterian Church, Roy Smith of True Lite Christian Fellowship Church and The Rev. Billy Raies of the Christian Life Center.

Christ Church Midland will meet 10 a.m. June 5 at Midland Classical Academy and St. Nicholas will continue services at 10:30 a.m. June 5.

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