ADDRESS: 318 Main St.
DENOMINATION/AFFILIATION: American Baptist Churches of Maine and American Baptist Churches U.S.A.
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HISTORY: The United Baptist Church of Saco officially came into being when members of two neighboring Baptist congregations agreed to merge in 1924. The Cutts Avenue Baptist Church and the Main Street Baptist Church came to believe that although they came from differing arms of Baptist tradition, there was greater strength to be gained from unity than separation.
The original structure on Main Street was built in 1841. In 1875 the building was reconstructed and is still in use, with its sanctuary above and vestry below.
Church members believe that while they may have strong preferences for their Baptist traditions and theology, there is much common ground upon which they stand with Christians of other denominations.
Music is important to the congregation, and there are a variety of choirs. Adults are invited to join the Senior Choir, which rehearses at 7 p.m. Thursdays. There is also a Youth Choir open to older children, and a Handbell Choir.
The church offers Sunday school for all ages, including an adult curriculum. Midweek Bible studies and faith enrichment courses also are offered.
Fellowship with other Christians is encouraged by a variety of groups available to parishioners. These include special children’s programs, hymn singing, Senior Saints, American Baptist Women, potluck suppers, coffee hour after worship, fidelis class, youth group and men’s fellowship.
The church helps stock and administer the local food pantry, provides building space for the Little Folk Nursery School and offers a free camp for abused or neglected children called Royal Family Kids’ Camp.
The church also offers a variety of professional and lay pastoral care to the church family and wider community.
WORSHIP SERVICES: A youth class for those in grades 7 to 12 and Seekers adult Sunday school are held from 9 to 9:45 a.m., followed by worship at 10 a.m.
Nursery for children to age 2 is available from 9:45 to 11 a.m. A preschool class for children age 2 to grade 5 is held from 10:15 to 11 a.m., following the Children’s Message.
A fellowship hour begins at 11 a.m.
For those wanting to stay with their child, there is a parents’ room at the Abbott Chapel. It is equipped with a closed-circuit TV and has a child-friendly environment.
Summer services are held at an earlier time, and there are special services during Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and Thanksgiving.
For those who would rather not climb the stairs, an elevator is accessible from the door at the back parking lot.
CONTACT: Call 283-3411 or 282-0320; online at unitedbaptistsaco.org.
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