Presbyterians find few answers in congregational meeting Sunday

Members of the First United Presbyterian Church in Du Quoin have hope, but few answers in the early going of whether their congregation can be sustained.

"We are interested in looking at options," said member Betsy Naumer, who said a representative of Presbytery of Southeastern Illinois attended the meeting.

"It may take several months to come to a decision," said Mrs. Naumer, whose family has been prominent in the church an in the community.

Everything from a joint pastorate to continuing with lay speakers to dissolving the congregation has been talked about.

The Presbyterian Church in Pinckneyville and the Presbyterian Church in Murphysboro already share their spiritual resources.

The once-thriving First United Presbyterian Church is down to fewer than 60 members on its church rolls with less than 30 in church on some Sundays.

The last pastor of record was Rev. Tim Scroggins (2012). Vacancy pastors no longer conduct Sunday services.