Historic church under renovation in East Machias
EAST MACHIAS (WGME) -- A major restoration effort is underway on a Maine church and will soon be featured on the small screen.
Since 1837, the First Congregational Church has been a striking staple in East Machias.
So when word spread that the building was put on Maine Preservation's list of most endangered places, members of the community came together and sprang into action, raising more than $400,000 to start saving it.
"The first congregational church of East Machias was in desperate need, in danger of full collapse of the steeple so the actual timbers were rotted," says Tara Kelley from Maine Preservation.
Project coordinator Erica Famous is still blown away by the support.
"To get this from initial fundraising to this first stabilization phase completed and in 10 months was just incredible," says Famous.
The church's steeple is now stable and the process was actually filmed by a network television crew.
"So they completed filming at the end of October, they're in editing process and as soon as we find out when and where and the show's final name we'll be able to announce that," says Famous.
Now they're looking ahead to the next renovation phase and have big plans for the property's future.
"We're looking at improving accessibility and functionality of the building really expanding the opportunity for use for the community into a cultural arts center a place for community gathering," Famous says.
"I do think in my experience that this is a remarkable feat," adds Kelley.
Maine Preservation also tells us Maine's congressional delegation has supported this project, so they hope the next budget will include significant federal money to complete it.
