PRESS RELEASE
The First Congregational Church of East Machias has an
unexpected opportunity to be saved. A national television
production company wants to film its restoration this summer
if money can be raised to cover the costs of repairs. The
filming of this television show could attract significant
attention to the community and this project.
This historically important church, built in 1836, was listed on
the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The church
was recently named to Maine Preservation Society’s 2022
List of Maine’s Most Endangered Buildings.
“Today it is among the most critically threatened
architectural resources in the State of Maine,” said Tara
Kelly, executive director of Maine Preservation. “Structural
damage to steeple timbers have resulted in a dangerous level
of instability and if immediate action is not taken it will soon be beyond repair.”
https://www.mainepreservation.org/most-endangered-2021-1/2021/10/4/firstcongregational-church-east-machias
Steeple restoration expert, Belden Morse of Steeple People, Inc. in Jonesboro, stated:
“This work needed on the East Machias church is critical, and the condition of the building
has become dangerous, this project should be addressed as soon as possible.”
The restoration effort has been accelerated by the commitment of a major television
production company to film a one-hour special that will appear on a major cable network
in 52 million homes and a streaming platform available in over 400 million homes
worldwide. The community group and the television production company have agreed to
move forward if adequate fundraising success can be secured by February 14, 2022.
This show will have millions of views.
Church trustees and the community restoration group, Friends of First Congregational
Church of East Machias, are finalizing an agreement for shared use of the building
following the restoration. Community activities will include concerts, other public
performances, and meeting space for community groups.
Expert contractors for this restoration have already committed to the required work scope,
budget, and timeline.
The missing ingredient is funding. The fundraising timeline is short and the Friends of
First Congregational Church of East Machias is urgently seeking financial support.
The budget is approximately $250,000, and 1/3 of that sum is already near at hand
if the balance can be secured.
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HOW TO HELP
TO MAKE TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION:
GOFUNDME charitable donation page: “Church Steeple Rescue”
Donations can please be made payable to: First Congregational Church of East
Machias Restoration Fund
Mail should be directed to: Friends of the First Congregational Church of East
Machias P.O. Box 68, East Machias, Maine 04630
Funds may be directly deposited at Machias Savings Bank made payable to the
First Congregational Church of East Machias Restoration Fund.
To volunteer with the fundraising effort please email: EastMachiasFriends@gmail.com
For further information please email volunteer board member Erica Famous at
EastMachiasFriends@gmail.com or call Kim & Tom McClure, board secretary/project
manager, at 207.271.0527
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