Historic Hampden Church repurposed as community center

Maine Savings Federal Credit Union has renovated the former Hampden Congregational Church, creating a new community center. Maine Savings purchased the property in August 2023 after services at the church had ended, with a vision of restoring the building and returning it to the community. "Our goal from day one was to honor the character of this building while making sure it can serve the community for another century," said Bill Pelkey, who oversaw the project and is senior vice president of facilities at Maine Savings. "So much care went into preserving the details that make this place special. We can't wait for people to walk in and see it for themselves." The 4,000-square-foot church was built in 1835 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. An addition was put on in 1988. E.W Littlefield Inc., based in Hartland, managed the renovation. Hughes Bros. Inc., with locations in Hampden and Ellsworth, handled site work. Work continues on the parsonage, which will be available for future professional uses. The property is also home to the Hampden Food Cupboard. That basement space has also been renovated and the pantry continued to operate during the project. Maine Savings supports the food cupboard directly and through its participation in the Maine Credit Union League's Ending Hunger Campaign. The public is invited to an open house on Sept. 15, from 2-6 p.m., at 101 Main Road North in Hampden. Visitors can tour the sanctuary and learn about the restoration process, and how the community center can be used in the years ahead. "This building has been a gathering place for generations of Hampden families, including my own," said Vanessa Madore, president and CEO of Maine Savings. "Seeing the sanctuary restored and knowing it will once again be filled with neighbors and shared experiences is deeply meaningful. We are proud to welcome the community back through these doors." Maine Savings, founded in 1961, is Maine’s second-largest credit union, with assets of $837.8 million, according to the 2026  Mainebiz Book of Lists.