The restoration of the historic First Congregational Church of East Machias, seen here following Phase One of the work, is undergoing is being documented by a major TV network. Photo courtesy Friends of the First Congregational Church of East Machias
The structural stabilization of the 1837 First Congregational Church of East Machias has been successfully completed. The major restoration has been supported in part by MaineCF donors. The undertaking will be the subject of a documentary on a major cable network, with a crew returning to complete filming this fall.
Placed on Maine Preservation’s List of Most Endangered Historic Places last year, the local community has raised $475,000 from more than 250 donations and overseen the structural stabilization. Less than a year ago, the historic church faced an uncertain future, with major failure and rot to many key timbers supporting the nearly 100-foot tall tower. Many experts in the historic preservation community feared the church would not be saved.
With the structural repairs now completed by The Steeple People of nearby Jonesboro, the building can continue to serve as a meeting place for the congregation and the Friends of the First Congregational Church of East Machias can carry on with the building’s reuse as a community performance space.
“The Friends of the First Congregational Church of East Machias have overcome an extraordinary hurdle in stabilizing the historic steeple,” said Tara Kelly, executive director of Maine Preservation. “Now, work begins on a full restoration of this significant resource in order to welcome the broader public as it transforms into a cultural hub for all of Washington County and beyond.”
Placed on the National Register of Historic Places a half century ago, the First Congregational Church of East Machias has long been recognized as a special building in Maine. The congregation was led by several nationally prominent ministers in the nineteenth century, who delivered some of the very early speeches supporting the abolition of slavery.
Restoration progress this summer. Andrea Nemitz photo
While the Friends of the First Congregational Church of East Machias has succeeded in a major accomplishment, much work remains. Phase Two of the project will focus on improving accessibility and functionality of the space, as well as restoration of the sanctuary, and remaining facades. Primary challenges include providing access into the church building and determining restroom accommodations appropriate for large audiences. Once complete, this restored landmark and new community space will bolster the local economy by drawing visitors from near and far.
According to Erica Famous, local key coordinator of the fundraising and stabilization work: “We are grateful for the support received from many individuals, government agencies, elected officials and businesses, and also from Maine Steeples Fund, Maine Community Foundation and Maine Preservation. The community support for this important project has been exceptional and all who contributed should feel proud. With this phase complete, we can now turn our attention to Phase Two of this project and associated fundraising.”
