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About
the church building
Built in 1824, South Church looked very much as it does today,
with the exception of the portico, which was added in 1912. In the
early 19th century, architects were seldom employed in such remote
areas. However, carpenters often used manuals and examples of other
churches in addition to their own experience gained from working
the large shipbuilding yards adjacent to the Kennebunk River. One
of these yards, operated by David Clark, was on the grassy plot
between the church and the river.
At the time it was built, the interior of Sough Church was open
with tall box pews, a two-story pulpit, wide galleries or balconies
on three sides, with the organ and choir in the rear. The cupola,
restored in 1991, is designed after the style of Christopher Wren
and has the original 1824 Aaron Willard clock with its unique wooden
face.
By 1843, due to a severe drop in membership, the dividing floor
was installed, the sanctuary remaining on the lower level. By 1875,
the move was made upstairs with the new, smaller pews installed,
and in 1881, frescoes were added to the sanctuary area. The open
downstairs was improved in 1879 by the addition of a stage for popular
events, from temperance lectures to Bohemian Bell Ringers.
The most notable addition is the 1899 installation of the memorial
windows commemorating our charter members. The chancel area was
redone in 1956, and the lower level remodeled in 1969.
The Noack pipe organ was installed and dedicated in 2004.
About
the congregation
In 1838, seventy members "in good and regular standing"
sought to be "dismissed along with the pastor" from First
Church, which was founded in 1730 and still stands one and a half
miles up North Street. The new congregation, comprised of 11 men
and 59 women, moved into the present structure as a meeting place
for village residents along the river.
Over the years, thirty ministers have filled the pulpit, with residence
from six months to 34 years. The church membership has varied between
42 and a current figure of 306.
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