SOUTH PORTLAND – As the faith community at the Peoples United Methodist Church in South Portland celebrates its 175th anniversary, the focus is on how the church can continue to be relevant and make an impact in the wider world.

The Rev. Tom Frey, who’s been the pastor at Peoples United Methodist since 2011, said that while it’s important for the church to celebrate and honor its past, it is also necessary to look forward and remember that “we are all connected and all pieces of a greater whole.”

Frey said the church is now reaching out to other United Methodist churches in the city, as well as other denominations, to see how they can all work together to not only better serve their own congregations, but also to have a wider impact within the community.

Art Tordoff, a long-time member of Peoples United Methodist, agreed. He said for him, there are two important pieces to the anniversary celebrations – learning from the past and doing more in terms of service to God and the community at large.

“Change is not a bad thing, as long as we are not surrendering our original mission,” Tordoff added.

The roots of Peoples United Methodist Church were first laid down in 1839 when small group or class meetings were held in private homes in Willard Beach, as well as in what is now Cape Elizabeth.

In 1853, the first church building was constructed in Ferry Village, where the congregation continued to gather for the next 95 years, until World War II.

The construction of the shipyards created to build Liberty ships disrupted the neighborhood around the church, so in 1947 a new building went up on Broadway. Then, in 1972, the congregation added Ellis Hall, a large gathering space with a kitchen.

Like many mainstream churches, Peoples has seen its membership steadily decline from a high of around 600 in the 1950s to 129 on the rolls today. These days, Frey said, between 70 and 80 regularly attend church services.

Tordoff, who’s been a member since 1953, said it’s disappointing that more people don’t attend church.

But, he said, “I’m reminded every week of who we are. There is a great Christian story in this church.”

The church held a weeklong celebration of its 175th anniversary that culminated in a Heritage Fair on Saturday, Sept. 13. Some of the other special events included recreations of those first class meetings in the homes of various church members, as well as a Memorial Service of Light at Willard Beach.

In addition, the church held a community dinner, and various groups within the church all contributed a patch to a special anniversary quilt. The church also had a plaque made listing every pastor since 1839.

Tordoff, as the church historian, also unearthed a bunch of historic memorabilia and artifacts, including a poster advertising a fried clam supper and an old basketball uniform from the church team.

One of the most special things the church did for its anniversary was to restore its organ, which will finally be ready to play again during the Sunday service on Sept. 21.

Another special piece of history was also found and preserved for future generations when a vinyl recording of the bishop’s dedication address from Jan. 4, 1948, was transferred to a CD that members can borrow or copy for themselves.

What makes the faith community at Peoples United Methodist special, according to Frey, is that the congregation “knows how to welcome people and feed them both spiritually and physically.”

He said the members of the church have found a good balance between being open and friendly, while also allowing people to find their own place within the community of faith.

For Tordoff, the church community is “like a family.” But the sanctuary itself is also a special place to him. It features a wide variety of stained glass “story” windows, along with wooden beams and a rose window over the pulpit.

Like many churches, Peoples plays host to various community organizations from Boy Scouts to Meals on Wheels and Alcoholics Anonymous.

Within the church, members provide meals at the Root Cellar in Portland four times a year. There are also Bible study groups, a Sunday School program for both adults and children and an active prayer shawl ministry.

Long-time member Earle Harvey joined the church in 1969. He said the funny answer to why he stayed is because he lives close by. But, Harvey said he feels God led him to the church, and said its programs and philosophy are a “good match.”

Kathleen Brann is somewhat of a new member, belonging to the church for less than 30 years, but said what keeps her at Peoples is “the fellowship. This is a very open and friendly church.”

Marlene Tordoff, Art Tordoff’s wife, said she first started coming to Peoples with her husband before they were married. Their marriage ceremony was held at the church, and she agreed with her husband that what makes Peoples special is that the congregation is like a family.

“In terms of theology,” said Frey, “we have everything from the most left progressives to the most mega-conservative, but we can all sit and talk, there’s a true, special connection.”

The Peoples United Methodist Church, located at 310 Broadway in South Portland, is observing its 175th anniversary. The church began in 1839, when small groups met in private homes in the Willard Beach area of the city, as well as in what is now Cape Elizabeth.Kathleen Brann, left, and Marlene Tordoff dress authentically for last Saturday’s Heritage Fair, one of the anniversary events at the church.  The first Peoples ?United Methodist C?hurch was built in 1853 in Ferry Village. The congregation moved to its Broadway location in 1947.