Buildings of fiscally challenged Institutions, are threatened statewide by deferred maintenance, delayed decisions, and even abandonment due to diminished funding and membership. St. Anthony's Church in Jackman, an architecturally unique gothic style church built in 1928, was demolished last fall due to cost of maintenance, repair, upgrades and heating. Institutional leaders need to employ strategic planning, building assessments, multiple cost estimates and phasing for the historic landmarks under their care. Other historically significant places in Maine are in similar situations and will have the same fate, unless communities can support the efforts to restore these historically significant buildings.

Appropriate action to protect, maintain and repair these vitally important Maine landmarks is needed now. The disappearance of these historic places is altering the character and quality of place that Maine has become known for.