Vassalboro Methodists adapt to changes

Pews that were moved from the old church to the new. (photo courtesy of Dale Potter-Clark)

by Dale Potter-Clark

The Vassalboro Methodists first professed their faith in 1794 when the itinerant minister Rev. Jesse Lee preached at Getchell’s Corner, and they have been on the move and adapting to change ever since.

Vassalboro history tells us there were four Methodist churches in town at one time: South Vassalboro on Cross Hill (1813); East Vassalboro (1840); North Vassalboro (1865); and at Getchell’s Corner (1868). None of those buildings exist any longer. The Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) on route 32/Main Street is the only one in town today – constructed when the declining congregations in North and East Vassalboro recognized the need to change. They combined in 1987 and took on the seemingly gargantuan task of constructing a new church building.

The old East Vassalboro Methodist Church. (photo courtesy of Dale Potter-Clark)

Ever since VUMC’s doors opened in 1988 community members have been welcomed to worship services – some have transferred from other local churches that have closed their doors. Public meals, weddings, funerals and special events are frequently held there as well. Other than choosing to add a rear el to hold office space and two meeting rooms in 2003, members of the little country church have not had to undertake any major structural or interior changes until last year. It was then a largely attended funeral made them realize they needed to make some adaptations for folks with mobility and accessibility challenges and they immediately began to plan accordingly.

“The project was planned in three stages,” said Harvey Boatman, project coordinator. “Once funding was secured, our first step was to install a lift/elevator between the sanctuary and the lower level where our fellowship hall and bathrooms are located. The lift is very close to completion and it should become operational in February. During the early stages of the installation we discovered significant damage to the roof so unexpected, emergency repairs had to be done which included removal of the damaged steeple. Through all that, the lift installation never faltered. We had a lot going on here for a while last fall,” said Boatman.

Once the lift was 99 percent done the next major adaptation for improved accessibility was to remove parts of two pews near the center of the sanctuary to better accommodate wheelchairs. This was completed on Tuesday, January 21st and the following day some veteran members saw the changes. “There are several older folks who attend VUMC – some who were once members of the East or North Vassalboro churches and were here when VUMC was built,” said Boatman. “But given time to understand they have been real troopers! It’s human nature to have some resistance to change no matter how young or old we are but the vast majority of our congregation has been on board from the beginning.”

Theresa White, 94, of Vassalboro, was among the first to arrive on Wednesday and even though she was there for a meeting, she arose from her chair saying, “I cannot wait! I have to go upstairs to see the pews. Mae Jones was not far behind her. “It is beautiful,” exclaimed White. “You can’t really even tell they were ever there. The carpet there looks good too and isn’t hurt at all.” Jones recalled that one of the removed pews used to be “her pew,” where she sat with Carroll and Betty Rowe over the years. Through their reminiscing both White and Jones seemed to appreciate the progress made and the craftsmanship that went into the job.

The pews at VUMC were moved there from the East Vassalboro Methodist church that no longer stands. A news article appeared in 1871 when that church was built and included details such as, “…the circular pews with ash backs (now at VUMC) sat 300 people. Friend, C.M. Bailey, from the Winthrop Center Quaker congregation, gave a Bible; William Cates a pulpit chair; James Cates a chandelier and side lamps; Mrs. S. Marshall the altar table.” The bell was added in 1873 and that, along with the pews and some of the previously mentioned items, was also moved to VUMC in 1988. That bell chimes every Sunday morning to welcome folks to the worship service and beckoning to those who may also come one day to help re-fill those old pews.

A ceremony will be held later this year to dedicate the new lift/elevator and to recognize those who made it possible through their donations of funds, time and efforts. FMI about VUMC’s continuing accessibility project, their events, programs and services email info.vumc@gmail.com or phone (207) 873-5564 or follow the Vassalboro United Methodist Church Facebook page.

FROM NORTH VASSALBORO Methodist Church

Stained glass windows on the north and south walls of the sanctuary;
Pews in the Fellowship Hall (they are too large to fit in the sanctuary);
Large Pastor’s pulpit and chair;
Communion table;
Marble top table at back of sanctuary.

FROM EAST VASSALBORO Methodist Church:

Stained glass window behind pulpit, moved in and remains enclosed in original framing;
The 1,500 lb. steel church bell cast by Sheffield Sons & Co., in England, in 1871;
The pews in the sanctuary;
The smaller Lay Leader pulpit and chair.