Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
By Kevin Sinnett
OQUOSSOC — In 1908, Cornelia “Flyrod” Cosby was authorized by Bishop O’Connell to accept donations “with a view to a chapel in the Rangeley Region.” Collecting funds from residents and tourists and using land given to her by the railroad company, she spearheaded the construction of Our Lady of the Lakes Church in Oquossoc.
Flyrod, a convert to Catholicism, could have never imagined that 110 years later this same little church would be the centerpiece of a thriving Catholic community in the Rangeley Lakes Region.
I find it ironic that this summer, when Our Lady of the Lakes was confronted with a significant financial challenge, it was again funds collected from residents and tourists that made the difference! The church has a beautiful large stained glass window that sits prominently behind the altar. The window is dedicated to Susan Laroche Johnson, who at the age of 19 died at The Birches on Mooselookmeguntic Lake on Aug. 6, 1910. Over the years, the window glazing had deteriorated and small cracks had developed in some of the panels.
Recognizing the need to repair the window, the Rev. Paul Murray solicited volunteers to spearhead a fundraising campaign to raise $12,000. Parishioners Dave and Carol Bachelder, along with Carl Dodge, graciously coordinated the effort and in less than two months raised the money.
As of Sept. 20, the fundraising had reached more than $14,000, which will allow the parish to also repair two smaller stained glass windows in the church.
As a parishioner at Our Lady of the Lakes, and a resident that appreciates the history of the Rangeley region, it was no surprise that the money was raised to restore this beautiful window in this historic church. We are blessed with very generous and faithful parishioners that have enabled the Diocese of Portland to not only operate and maintain Our Lady of the Lakes Church in Oquossoc, but also St. Luke’s Church in Rangeley and St. John’s in Stratton, (as well as winter seasonal masses at the Bell Chapel at Sugarloaf). What did surprise me were the non-parishioners who, knowing the historic significance of the church and national prominence of Flyrod Crosby, approached me to ask how they could donate to the window repair. Outdoorsmen and women, friends with ancestral connections to the area, and Catholics from other churches were all willing to make generous donations to help our small rural Catholic parish.
Upon reflection, it all started 110 years ago with Flyrod Crosby who built a church by collecting funds from residents and tourists. Today, just as in 1908, Our Lady of the Lakes Church will continue to flourish through the generous collection of funds from the residents and tourists that make Rangeley their home or simply visit for a summer vacation.
