The Story
The First Congregational Church of East Machias structure traces its origins back to the incorporation of East Machias in the early 19th century. Originally part of the Town of Machias known as East Falls, East Machias was incorporated in 1826 and was known for its shipbuilding and lumber companies. John E. Seavey oversaw the construction of the First Congregational Church of East Machias ten years later, its immense scale and ornate design were a testament to the economic prosperity of the time, and its Carpenter Gothic architecture a rarity in the state.
Thomas Treadwell Stone, a Bowdoin College graduate, liberal Congregationalist, and early abolitionist, led the congregation into a revival with the construction of the new church. Prominent, founding families of East Machias, such as the Popes and Talbots, were members. The First Congregational Church of East Machias also had a long-running relationship with Washington Academy, which completed its first building down the road in 1823. The school held its graduation ceremonies at the church well into the twentieth century. The First Congregational Church of East Machias is joined by adjacent community landmarks, including its c. 1880 parsonage to the south and cemetery to the east.
The Threat
The future of the First Congregational Church of East Machias is intimately tied to the future of its congregation, which unfortunately has dwindled in size and is no longer able to steward the landmark building. Despite years of successful campaigns to fund repairs in partnership with preservation professionals, the congregation has decided it is in the best interest of the building to relinquish ownership. Just as the church’s white clapboard siding, window tracery, and quatrefoil detailing are common sites across the small towns of Maine and New England, so are its combination of challenges: a small congregation in a large historic building, with mounting costs to keep the doors open.
While a group of concerned congregants, residents and preservation advocates have thankfully formed to serve as the next stewards of the church, significant structural issues loom. One of the four main timber posts that supports the base of the steeple tower has undergone serious deterioration and is now threatening the stability of the entire structure. Once the Friends of the First Congregational Church of East Machias receives non-profit status, the Trustees of the First Congregational Church of East Machias intend to transfer the deed of the property to FFCC of EM and pursuit of grants and donations will begin in earnest to address the pressing stabilization needs. At the same time, conversations will begin to determine what the future holds for the 185-year-old church.
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in supporting preservation of the church, please contact EastMachiasFriends@gmail.com.
Also, be sure to check out the important work of the Maine Steeples Fund, which supports the preservation of religious landmarks like the First Congregational Church of East Machias across the state.
