Similar to many churches, St Michael and All Angels in Pembroke has for some years been facing the problem of increasing expenditure and decreasing income.

Last year, expenditure exceeded available funds and the same will occur this year. Aware that day-to-day running costs cannot be met, the church committee reluctantly, and sadly, has recognised that St. Michael's is unable to continue.

This was a painful and difficult action to take. The church has a long and worthy history of witness in the town; countless families and individuals have offered their prayers there; it has been the place where innumerable people have been admitted to the Christian faith through Holy Baptism, have pledged their love to another in Holy Matrimony and finally been commended to God's safe keeping at the end of their earthly life.

The Bishop of St. Davids has been to asked declare the church redundant and the formal procedure is now underway.

The church will close on December 31 and a Holy Eucharist (Communion) Service of Thanksgiving, recognising and giving thanks for the worship, rôle and witness of St. Michael's down the centuries, will take place at 3 pm on Sunday, December 16. This will replace the 11 am Matins service that day.

However, this will not be the final service at the church, as worship will continue as normal up to and including Holy Eucharist on Christmas Day at 10 am.

"The clergy of the Benefice, along with members of the church committee, fully appreciate and share in the pain and heartache that closure will bring," said team vicar, Rev. Canon Roger Jones, "and we hold in our prayers and thoughts all who are experiencing a sense of loss and distress over the closure of St. Michael's."

The Sunday 8 am and Wednesday 9.30 am Holy Eucharists at St. Michael's will transfer to St. Mary, Pembroke, and it is hoped that worshipers at the 11 am Sunday service will join the service at St. Mary's or one of the other eight churches in the parish.