“Their hearts are bleeding right now with the closure.” Those words echo through the now quiet halls of Imperial Beach Saint Marys by the Sea Episcopal Church. This church is steeped in history but also sadly in closure.
Imperial Beach Saint Marys by the Sea Episcopal Church first opened its doors in 1960. It served as a beacon of faith for over five decades. The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego financially supported the church for years. But they eventually decided they could no longer afford it.
Imagine the final services held here. About 10 to 15 families regularly attended services. Rev. Peter Tagdulang served as the church’s leader since March 2009. He spoke of his congregation’s sorrow.
Each week, Imperial Beach Saint Marys by the Sea Episcopal Church held healing services on Thursdays. They also held English and Spanish services on Sundays. Many healing service attendees sought solace. These attendees were often not members of the congregation. “We lay hands on those who wish it and anoint those who ask for anointment” said Rev. Peter Tagdulang.
Janet Goff has been part of the Episcopal Church since childhood. She spent the last 10 years at Imperial Beach Saint Marys by the Sea Episcopal Church. “It’s a beautiful little church” Janet Goff said. “She’s a beautiful lady.” Goff helped run the church as the senior warden. She learned about the closure in December 2010. She felt she received little help to expand the church. “They said the attendance was going down and that’s true” she said. “But as far as I’m concerned, they did nothing to help us.”
Even in closure, the church’s legacy continues. The Episcopal Family Services Head Start program operates in a building on the side of Imperial Beach Saint Marys by the Sea Episcopal Church. This program remains unaffected. Though the congregation no longer worships here, the diocese still owns the property.
Think back to the church’s early days. Picture the community gathering here. Hear the hymns and prayers that once filled this space. Though Imperial Beach Saint Marys by the Sea Episcopal Church has closed its doors, its spirit lingers on. Its impact on the community remains a testament to its enduring legacy.