NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) -- The historic Epworth United Methodist Church in downtown Norfolk is set to close in January after 130 years of service. During a charge conference in November, Epworth UMC officials voted to close the church. It will officially hold its final worship service Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. The Virginia Conference will maintain ownership of the church building. The conference leadership plans to prioritize listening to the community's needs and identifying spaces in Norfolk where the United Methodist mission and ministry would best serve in the future. The Epworth United Methodist Church was founded in 1850 as Granby Street Methodist Episcopal Church, South, per the church's website. It was composed of members of Cumberland Street Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and was initially located on the corner of Granby and Freemason Streets. In 1890, the church decided to build a new sanctuary to minister the needs of the growing congregation and community. Three years later, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to select the name of the new building. On Jan. 19, 1986, the new church was dedicated with the name Epworth, honoring the boyhood home of John Wesley, founder of Methodism. Epworth has served as a landmark structure in downtown Norfolk, providing nurturing, outreach and witness to the community.