Presbyterian Center closing to prevent spread of coronavirus

Staff continues to serve the Church remotely

by Melody K. Smith | Presbyterian News Service

In order to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Presbyterian Center in Louisville, Kentucky, will close Friday. (Contributed photo)

LOUISVILLE — Each day the number of people infected with the coronavirus continues to rise across Kentucky, the U.S. and the world. To help ensure the well-being of staff in the Louisville offices and the surrounding community, leaders are closing the Presbyterian Center at 100 Witherspoon St., in Louisville, effective Friday, March 27.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered that all non-life-sustaining businesses must close their doors in order to continue containment of the coronavirus. The governor’s order allows exceptions for financial institutions. Because the Presbyterian Investment & Loan Program falls into that category, it will continue to function with limited hours.

The majority of Center staff are already working from home after the continued spread of the coronavirus prompted officials with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to take action two weeks ago to ensure the health and safety of employees.

There are no reported or confirmed cases of the coronavirus among the staff. This move is in support of the governor’s efforts to take precautionary measures for the health of the community.

Last week, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and the Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett, President and Executive Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, addressed the church in a pastoral letter. They offered prayers to those affected by the virus and appreciation to those mid councils and agencies that are discerning ways they can be of assistance and step up for those on the margins.

“We are holding each of you in prayer,” the letter reads. “Like the rest of the country, our Presbyterian communities are physically separated, but we are still deeply connected through our common humanity, spirituality and strong faith in God.”