St. Barnabas, Tomahawk to Close

​May 15, 201

Dear Friends,

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Tomahawk has roots as an Episcopal presence from as early as 1887. In 1892, it became an Organized Mission of the Diocese of Fond du Lac. In 1896 a wood frame church edifice designed by William Halsey Wood was erected in and served as its house of worship since then.

It is my sad duty to inform you that the diocesan Executive Council has recommended dissolving the Organized Mission of St. Barnabas, and I have concurred. This decision was made after long discussions with members of the church following a year of efforts to reinvigorate the small band of worshipers. In the words of one member at that meeting, we learned those efforts were too little, too late.

As with many congregations serving in smaller communities, the congregation experienced high points and low points that often-followed community dynamics. Tomahawk is a small but stable community. Over the past decade, the congregation has continued as a place of worship, but have reached a point where membership, attendance and financial resources are not adequate to support continuing as a congregation.

A Celebration of Ministry service has been scheduled for Saturday, July 13 at 5:00 p.m. at St. Barnabas, 201 W Merrill Ave, Tomahawk. The service is open to the public, and any persons with a connection with St. Barnabas are especially invited to attend. The service will include deconsecrating and the secularization of the church building.

The use and/or disposition of the building and its contents belong to the Trustees of the Diocese. Any questions should be directed to the Diocesan Office at (920) 830-8866.

Under the Mercy,
The Rt. Rev. Matthew Gunter

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