Finnish Congregational Church and Parsonage facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Finnish Congregational Church and Parsonage
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | 172 St. George Rd., South Thomaston, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1921 |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian, Bungalow/Craftsman |
| NRHP reference No. | 94000639 |
| Added to NRHP | June 24, 1994 |
The Finnish Congregational Church and Parsonage is a special old church building in South Thomaston, Maine, United States. It was built in 1921. The house next to it, called the parsonage, was added around 1925. This parsonage is now a place that celebrates Finnish heritage. These buildings are important because they show some of the first ways Finnish-Americans shared their culture in this area. They were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994, which means they are recognized as historically important.
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About the Church Buildings
The Finnish Congregational Church stands on the east side of St. George Road (Maine State Route 131). It is about 1 mile (1.6 km) south of where it meets United States Route 1 in Thomaston. The church faces west. It has a rounded driveway in front. The old parsonage house is just to its right.
Church Design
The church is made of wood and has a pointed roof. It is covered with overlapping wooden boards called clapboard siding. A square tower sticks out from the front center of the church. The main entrance, with its double doors, is at the bottom of this tower. Above the doors is a narrow window. The top part of the tower has a small, pointed roof. A section has been added to the back of the church. This part holds a kitchen and a dining area.
The Parsonage House
The former parsonage is a smaller building. It is also made of wood and has one story. It has three sections across its front. A porch with a hip roof goes all the way across the front of the house.
History of the Finnish Community
Finnish people started moving to Knox County, Maine in the 1890s. This area was one of two main places in Maine where Finns settled early on. The first time Finns were recorded owning land in Knox County was in 1896.
The Finnish Congregation, which is the church group, officially started in 1921. Before that, church services were held at a local school. The church building was finished later in 1921. The parsonage, which was the home for the church's minister, was built around 1925. This church was the very first religious building built for the Finnish community in the state of Maine.
Gallery
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Side of the church
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Entrance to the church
See also
