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April 23, 2019

Rumford Point landmark steeple to be restored

Photo / Maureen Milliken The Rumford Point Community Church in Hanover, as seen across the Androscoggin River from Route 232. The steeple and bell tower of the church will be restored with help from a Maine Community Foundation grant and fundraising. The restoration will also help protect historic trompe l'oeil murals on the church walls.
By Staff

The historic Rumford Point Congregational Church steeple and bell tower, a landmark in Hanover at the bend in the Androscoggin River 10 miles west of Rumford since 1864, is getting a facelift.

The original steeple and bell tower of the church, which was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1985, needs extensive renovations, church officials have said. According to Gartley & Dorsky’s Steeple Conditions Assessment, the cladding boards have deteriorated to the point that they can't hold paint and require replacement. 

The Greek revival building is one of a small number of 19th century churches in the state with original trompe l’oeil artwork, and restoration project will also help ensure preservation of the historic artwork in the sanctuary.

The church was awarded a $50,000 matching grant from the Maine Community Foundation Steeple Restoration Fund in December towards the $110,000 restoration cost. The church has been holding fundraisers to raise the matching money. To date, $33,543 has been raised. The church has also applied for a Resourcing the Local Church grant of up to $5,000.

The grant allowed the church to sign a contract with Mid-Maine Restoration, of Waterville, and work will include covering the vertical boards on the spire with copper cladding, rather than replacing them. The copper will be painted the same white as the church.

The church bell has not functioned for several years, but couldn't be accessed because the tower is not safe, and that issue will addressed with the restoration as well.

Aside from the copper cladding, 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.

The steeple can be seen from a distance on both U.S. Route 2 and Route 232. Church officials said that travelers have noted seeing from afar and it welcomes then "and gives a sense of homecoming."

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