The two major settlements that eventually became known as Cape Elizabeth were Purpooduck, a point of land at the north side of town at the edge of the Fore River, and Spurwink, located at the southern edge next to a river by that name.

As the settlements grew in size and number of inhabitants, garrisons were built to provide for safety from attack by the Native Americans. In Purpooduck, the log garrison also provided the site for worship services, meetings and a school.

The Rev. Thomas Smith of Portland included these two settlements as part of his flock. Every third Sunday, Smith made the journey to preach at Purpooduck. He and his horse boarded the ferry at the foot of India Street in Portland to cross the river, landing in the vicinity of the former South Portland shipyard.

However, in order to attend these services, Spurwink inhabitants traversed the rough trail between the two settlements along a portion of the King’s Highway, the route extending from Portland to Boston. As the number of settlers in the southern portion of the town increased, it became clear that Spurwink needed its own parish to accommodate the 17 families living there.

The Massachusetts General Court ruled that…”petitioners shall constantly support the Ministry from this time and another two years, shall build a sufficient House for the public Worship of God…,” thus becoming the Second Parish, South Meetinghouse. Benjamin Allen was invited to settle as pastor in 1734.

Cape Elizabeth was incorporated as a town 1765. By the close of the Revolutionary War the number of homes had increased to 175. The following years saw a steady increase in population, but not much in the way of upkeep or improvements to the South Meetinghouse. As a result, the building was razed, leaving only the frame.

A new building was erected at a corner of one acre of land donated by Jonathan Mitchell, and the remaining land set aside for a burial ground. Mitchell and other families provided labor, timber for framing and rough planks for seating. He and his wife were the first residents to be interred in the new Riverside Cemetery on a portion of the land he had donated for that purpose.

The new meeting house, dedicated in 1802, measured approximately 40 feet square; the narthex (vestibule) with two doors added another 7 feet in depth. The building remained unheated except for small foot stoves or heated bricks brought in by members to provide a modicum of comfort during the winter months.

Two years later, box pews were installed, complete with doors and a snap-button fastener. The pew seats were hinged to be raised when the parishioners were on their knees to pray and then lowered with a loud bang and thump after the “Amen” was said.

The year 1834 saw the addition of a steeple, belfry and weathervane. The weathervane cost an astronomical sum – for the times – of $40, which some of the members believed was an extravagance.

Later, the bell was removed from its site in the cupola at Town Hall and installed in the belfry at Spurwink Meetinghouse.

A frame was built to support the 1,200 pound weight of the bell, and a hammer device was added. An attached, 40-foot length of rope extended through a small hole in the ceiling of the narthex allowed a bellringer to perform this chore from below at ground level.

The bell joyfully rings out as newlyweds begin their walk back down the center aisle. Following a funeral or memorial service, the bell tolls somberly. In both cases, the chimes continue until all guests have left the sanctuary.

In the sanctuary, the pulpit stands at the left side of a raised platform and the pump organ is at the right side of the platform. The ornate, gingerbread style of the organ pre-dates 1890. Its rich, mellow wooden exterior includes all the stops, swells and foot pedals that are still in working order, making this antique a fine musical accompaniment to any ceremony.

The unusual eight-arm chandelier, originally kerosene but converted to electric, was purchased second-hand in 1895. A close inspection reveals cherubs carved into the curves of each arm. Electrified kerosene lamps mounted on the building’s side walls provide additional light.

All windows have 7-by-9-inch glass panes. A center aisle of 36 inches, side aisles of 30 inches and a 6 -oot aisle at the rear of the sanctuary complete the interior. The walls are plastered, the ceiling supported by four, 15-inch square columns with exposed beams. The exterior is painted white clapboard with dark green shutters and accents.

After its 133 years as a meetinghouse affiliated with the North Church (First Congregational Church, South Portland), the South Meetinghouse became incorporated as the Spurwink Congregational Church in 1935. Twenty-two years later and by special law, the church, then unable to support itself, deeded the property to the inhabitants of Cape Elizabeth.

Named to the National Register of Historical Places, May 19, 1970, and with its blend of architecture, distinctive steeple and weathervane, the Spurwink Meetinghouse is a landmark that continues to be used by townspeople for weddings, funerals and other special events.

Text 954 words

History Matters