ROCKY SPRINGS — Rocky Springs United Methodist Church, a Natchez Trace beacon for local worshippers and tourists from across the country and internationally for more than 150 years, is poised to move into a new phase of operations July 1.

Sunday, the church on the hill will have its final service as a Methodist Church before being turned over to a nonprofit organization.

The 11 a.m. service will include de-consecrating the sanctuary.

In an effort to keep the historically significant building available to the public, the Friends of Rocky Springs Church Inc. will take over administration of the church and open it for weddings, nondenominational worship services and other uses, said Elizabeth Piazza, its current pastor.