Welcoming San Antonio Church Closing Doors

A San Antonio church known for its inclusiveness is set to close this month.

When a group of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics was banned from a nearby parish, Beacon Hill Presbyterian Church opened its doors. The neighborhood association, artists and recovery groups also used the space.

But the San Antonio Express-News reports Beacon Hill will hold its last service after 117 years this weekend. Over the years its congregation has dwindled as have the funds for covering the church's operational costs.

Church lay leader Sally Lewis says it's sad that the church will close but the congregation has become too small for the space.

Longtime Beacon Hill congregant Betty Smith likens the church's closure to a death.