First Congregational Church of Buxton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First Congregational Church of Buxton
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First Congregational Church of Buxton
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | ME 112, Buxton, Maine |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1822 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000259 |
| Added to NRHP | June 22, 1980 |
The First Congregational Church of Buxton is a really old church in Buxton, Maine. People also call it the Tory Hill Meetinghouse. It was built in 1822 and still looks much like it did back then. It's a great example of Federal style architecture.
This church is special because of a famous writer named Kate Douglas Wiggin. She lived nearby and was inspired to write a play called The Old Peabody Pew about it. This play is still performed at the church often!
Because it's so important, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This means it's a special building worth protecting. The church community is part of the United Church of Christ.
What the Church Looks Like
The church stands at the corner of Woodman Road and River Road (Maine State Route 112). It is a one-story building made of wood. It has a pointed roof and a strong stone foundation.
A tall, square tower sticks out a little from the front of the church. This tower has a bell and rises into an eight-sided steeple with a weather vane on top. The front of the church has two doors. The sides of the church have six tall, square windows. Inside, the church is simple with rows of wooden benches for people to sit on.
A Look Back at History
The town of Buxton became an official town in 1772. People had been living there for some time before that. The land for this church was given in 1761. A minister named Paul Coffin led the church community from 1762 until he passed away in 1821.
The very next year, in 1822, this church was built. It replaced an older meetinghouse. At some point, the original boxed-off seating was changed to the benches you see today. The tall pulpit where the minister speaks is still there, though it has been changed a bit.
The church is known as the "Tory Hill Meetinghouse" because of the village it's in. This village got its name "Tory Hill" because some local people did not support the War of 1812. They refused to join the local army.
The Church and a Famous Author
The building is also famous because of its connection to the author Kate Douglas Wiggin. She lived nearby in Hollis, Maine in the late 1800s. Kate Douglas Wiggin helped start a community group called the Dorcas Society. She wrote her play The Old Peabody Pew for this group.
She also strongly supported the church and other local groups. She would give readings at the church to help them raise money. Today, her play is still performed at the church every December.
See also
