Willie Nelson Buys a Church

(andPOP) - Country icon Willie Nelson has bought a church he frequented as a young boy in order to save it from an uncertain future.

Nelson celebrated his purchase of the Abbott Methodist Church in Abbott, Texas on Sunday, reports the Associated Press.

The service brought together family, friends and longtime members of the congregation for prayers and music.

Nelson and his sister Bobbie, along with guests including Leon Russell, performed hymns like "Uncloudy Day," "I'll Fly Away," "Will the Circle be Unbroken" and "Precious Memories."

"Sister Bobbie and I have been going to this church since we were born," Nelson, 73, told the crowd. "Now, you're all members of the Abbott Methodist Church, and you will be, forever and ever."

The church had suffered from dwindling attendence in recent years, and finally closed in May when the congregation merged with another in Hillsboro.

Nelson's own involvement with the operations of the church is expected to be minimal, but he promised it would remain a place of worship and not turn into an entertainment venue.