REHOBOTH -- As one of the oldest churches in New England, Hornbine Baptist has been welcoming worshipers to its rural location for 252 years, and its current members don't see that changing.

So even as they look sadly to the retirement of their long-time pastor, the Rev. Edgar Farley, they plan to see their tiny congregation continuing.

`` It must have had its ups and downs before,'' said member Darrel Corbin. `` I can't see it stopping now.''

Farley, 74, has the same hopes for the church he has been serving since 1970, and the one he will leave at the end of year in what will be his second retirement. He retired the first time in 1995, then returned a couple of months later on a part-time basis, and has been there ever since.

`` This time I'm going to make it stick,'' said Farley, who has had some health problems in recent years. `` It has come to the point that my energy level is not there,'' he said. `` They need a person who is more energetic.''

The church still has its co-pastor, the Rev. Lynn MacLagan, who alternates Sunday services with Farley.

No decision has yet been made on who will fill in for Farley, who is leaving that up to the congregation to decide.

The church that first opened its doors in 1753 amidst the town's farmlands now has only seven official members and draws about a dozen people to regular Sunday services. Although attendance is light, the contributions have been sufficient to pay the bills, Farley said, partly because the small church does not require a lot to keep it going.

But it does need some work. Farley said the roof is safe but sagging, the exterior paint is peeling badly, and the 40-year-old furnace will eventually need replacement.

The members have built up a bit of a fund and hope to get the painting done in the fall, and that would please Farley.

`` One thing I want before I retire is the church painted,'' he said.

Over the years, he and the members looked for grants to cover the cost of repairs to the historic building, but they never materialized.

But the church that is part of the American Baptist Churches denomination has gotten a financial boost from two other congregations that have been tenants in the building in recent years -- first an Orthodox church of the Western Rite, and now Holy Cross Independent Catholic Church for the past four years.

`` They have been a big help to the church,'' Farley said of the current congregation that not only holds services at Hornbine Baptist, but also gives a monthly stipend and participates in fund-raisers and in special combined services. Corbin said those services involving Baptists and independent Catholics are unique.

`` We're like pioneers,'' he said.

It's one more feature that draws him to the rustic white church that sits at an intersection of two country roads. At the time it was built, it was in the heart of farm country, but now its out-of-the-way location may be hindering attendance.

But that hasn't kept the Corbins away. They discovered Hornbine when they went to a yard sale at the church four years ago, and they never left.

`` We took up with it, and we've been there since,'' Corbin said. `` It's one of the best things that ever happened to us.''

He is confident about the church's future even with Farley leaving.

`` It has known troubles before,'' Corbin said, referring to the church's long life. `` I'm sure it will pull out of this one.''

As for Farley, his wish is that the church and its history will be preserved.

`` My hope and prayer is that it will continue to be a beacon light in Rehoboth and the surrounding area, where Christ is boldly proclaimed and where everyone is welcome,'' Farley said.

GLORIA LaBOUNTY can be reached at 508-236-0333 or at glabounty@thesunchronicle.com.