RUMFORD — The historic Rumford Point Congregational Church is undergoing a steeple and bell tower restoration.
The church on the banks of the Androscoggin River near the intersection of U.S. Route 2 and Route 232, was built in 1864 and added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1985.
The church has been a landmark icon for many years, and travelers have noted that seeing the steeple in the distance from either route gives them a warm homecoming feeling. The church itself is active, important and integral to the surrounding communities and in need of being preserved for future generations.
The Greek revival building is one of a small number of 19th century churches in Maine with original trompe l’oeil artwork on walls. It originally also had it on the ceilings, which was lost to water damage, but the rest remains original.
The Maine weather over the years have not been kind, and the steeple and supportive bell tower need extensive renovations to preserve and protect their integrity. According to Gartley & Dorsky’s Steeple Conditions Assessment, the old boards are inadequate to hold paint and require replacement. The best option is to cover the vertical boards on the spire with copper cladding for longevity instead of replacing existing vertical boards, painting, and then worrying about future damage. The church bell has not functioned for several years; access to the bell tower to fix that situation became unsafe, so that will be addressed with the restoration project.
Joe McSwain of Mid-Maine Restoration will take on the project. The steeple will be covered with copper that will be painted to match the rest of the church. The louvers and surrounding wood will be repaired and painted. All work will be done in accordance with historic building requirements. Access to the belfry will be improved and lighting added to this area to make it safer to pass through. The restoration project will also help ensure preservation of the wonderful historic artwork in the sanctuary.
In 2018, the church applied for a 50-50 matching grant from the Maine Community Foundation’s Steeple Restoration Fund. A grant of $55,000 was approved in December.
Several fund-raisers were held in 2018, including photo quilt and basket raffles, pie night, dance/concert and a capital fund drive. Several more events are planned for 2019, and a GoFundMe page was created.
To date, $33,543 of the matching funds needed has been raised — the church still needs $21,450 to reach the project total of $110,000. The church as applied for a Resourcing the Local Church grant of up to $5,000.
“Our unique, historic Rumford Point Congregational Church looks forward to accomplishing the goal of returning the church’s steeple and bell tower to a healthy, safe landmark beacon for the community and all travelers passing through or returning home,” fundraising organizers said. “And, the joy of the bell ringing once more to herald its presence and the time of the Sunday service will echo up and down the valley.”
