PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A local church is gearing up to mark a milestone of service to God and the community, as 2015 marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Presque Isle Congregational Church.
Church members are readying for a large celebration this summer and fall, with a number of social, historical and outreach activities designed to involve the entire community. Events will culminate in a celebrative worship service on Sunday, Oct. 25.
“We are excited to invite the public into our story,” said Rev. Tim Stohlberg, pastor. “It is humbling to think of the sacrifice of those who founded this church 150 years ago. As much as celebrate the past, I hope that we can honor their commitment by using this occasion as a springboard into new era of faithful service to God and the people of Presque Isle.”
During a recent meeting of the 150th celebration planning committee, the group discussed their aim to offer a variety of activities so the public may share in this landmark celebration.
To start things off, a special exhibit detailing the church’s early days will be featured at the Northern Maine Fair’s Historical Pavilion. This year’s Fair takes place July 24-Aug. 1.
A community walk will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, for adults and children alike. Participants will be invited to bring with them a donation of non-perishable food items for the Grace Interfaith Food Table (GIFT). The route and time are not finalized, but a hot dog lunch is planned following the walk.
Members hope to bring the public a special concert featuring the Aroostook River Voices, a popular Ashland-based group featuring more than 110 local musicians blending to share a variety of music genres. A tentative date for this event is Saturday, Oct. 3.
Worship on Sunday, Oct. 25, will feature music from Susan Grove-Markwood at the organ, and former pastor Rev. Bob Grove-Markwood will speak. The Grove-Markwoods served the Presque Isle Congregational Church for 25 years. Also present will be former pastor Rev. James Fletcher, who served from 1980-87, and his wife Paula, while other former pastors and surviving spouses have also been invited. Music from the Choir and Handbelle Choir will round out the celebration.
Organizers plan to carry the festivities through Friday, Nov. 6, by participating in the First Friday Art Walk. The church will open its doors for a display of some of the photographs, documents and other artifacts of the past 150 years. Church members will be on hand to greet guests and emphasize special features such as the stained-glass windows and the magnificent mechanical tracker organ. A hymn sing will follow.
For further information, call the Presque Isle Congregational Church at 764-4743.
Editor’s Note: This is the first of a series of articles celebrating the Congregational Church in Presque Isle at its 150th anniversary. Look for additional articles in future editions of The Star-Herald.
