ADDRESS: All Saints Road (off Route 238)

DENOMINATION/AFFILIATION: Episcopalian

HISTORY: Worship at this summer chapel started in the 1870s when the Rev. John Thomas Magrath, rector of Christ Church in Gardiner, held services in the field under the oak trees or in a cottage living room in case of inclement weather. The first service in the church was held on July 9, 1905. The architect, Albert Hall, donated his services, and the construction was done by Capt. Charles Gray, a neighbor. The church was consecrated in July 1906 by the Right Rev. Robert Codman, bishop of Maine. A church pier was built so that churchgoers could come by boat.

The pier has been replaced twice, the latest one being a memorial to many of the early worshippers. On July 9, 2006, the Right Rev. Chilton Knudsen officiated at a centennial celebration at the church.

While All Saints-by-the-Sea is not a parish church in the ordinary sense, neither is it a diocesan mission. It remains essentially a congregation of residents and summer visitors who share its services and give it their support.

The chapel’s island location and approach by water have made it a spiritual summer home for several generations of worshippers and a chosen location for many weddings, baptisms and memorial services. It is managed by a governing committee whose members are permanent or summer residents of the Boothbay area.

Advertisement

The church is reached by a path through the woods, past a memorial flower garden. For those with difficulty walking, a golf cart takes them down this path. The church is equipped with a sound system with wireless units for the hearing-impaired. Water transportation is available from Boothbay Harbor aboard the Novelty, leaving Pier 8 at 9 a.m. Private boats are welcomed at the church dock.

SERVICES: Services are held the third Sunday in June through the second Sunday in September. Holy Communion is celebrated each Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on the first, third and fifth Sundays of the month. On the second and fourth Sundays, the service of Morning Prayer is conducted at 10 a.m.

Visiting clergy are invited to officiate throughout the summer. Organ music is performed at all services, and often guest soloists are featured on instruments such as flute and violin. A coffee hour follows the 10 o’clock service, held on the church deck.

On Wednesdays at 9 a.m., the visiting minister leads Bible discussions on the church porch. Weather permitting, a Christmas Eve service is held each year.

FUTURE PLANS: The outreach committee works with other community groups on a year-round basis to serve those in need on Southport Island and the Boothbay peninsula, thus extending its summer season. At least 50 percent of income supports outreach. A benefit concert is planned for Aug. 22 to raise funds for this cause.

CONTACT: 633-7301

 


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.