The final chapter of Trinity United Church of Christ, Coplay, is set for Sunday when the small congregation attends a 10 a.m. service and then closes the book on its proud history and service, which has spanned 146 years.

As many churches of varying denominations, Trinity UCC, 17 N. Third St., succumbed to an aging congregation, fewer and fewer young members and mounting bills.

For the church membership, the closing of the handsome brick church comes as no surprise. A recent vote by the congregation to close the doors was sad but telling.

With many of the pews empty at Sunday services - at times, fewer than 50 people in total - a regular church attendee said efforts to increase its membership were more than challenging in a borough of 3,300 people and three churches.

It was Feb. 12, 1871, when a congregation was formally organized and recognized by the Reformed Church in the United States, followed by six men elected to serve on the first consistory as elders.

Yet, as early as 1859, the Rev. William C. Rothrock preached to a Reformed group in barns and homes.

The Rev. S.A. Leinbach was the first pastor; under his leadership, a house of worship was erected - the cornerstone laid with the inscription “Trinity Reformed Church, Coplay, Pa., 1872.” The church was dedicated June 14-15, 1873. Lehigh Valley Iron Co. gave the land and $2,000 toward the erection of the church. The total cost was $8,222.

The church building was enlarged in 1891, and the parsonage was built in 1906.

On Jan. 1, 1945, the church suffered a devastating blow - a horrendous fire engulfed the entire church, and the congregation vowed to rebuild and keep its identity.

On June 5, 1947, groundbreaking took place, and in May 1949, the new church building was dedicated.

The name of the church has been changed twice. In 1936, Trinity Reformed Church became Trinity Evangelical and Reformed Church; in 1958, the church was renamed Trinity United Church of Christ.

From a beginning of 35 members, the congregation grew to more than 400 in the 1960s.

The church property extends from Third Street north to Hall Street, comprising a parish building housing a pediatric center and a paved parking lot on its north border. The parish house decades ago was a school for small children and later the borough hall where council met.

The future of the property and church building is not yet known.

Recently appointed supply pastor Roni Caciolo will preach during the final service Sunday, and church members will likely reminisce in the fellowship hall for one last time.