South China Meeting House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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South China Meeting House
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Village St., China, Maine |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1884 |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| MPS | Rufus Jones TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000459 |
| Added to NRHP | August 04, 1983 |
The South China Meeting House, now known as the South China Community Church, is a historic building on Village Street in South China, Maine. It was built in 1884. Originally, it was a meeting house for the Quaker community. Today, it is a church where people from different Christian groups worship together.
This building is important because it influenced a famous Quaker writer named Rufus Jones. He grew up in South China and attended services here. The South China Meeting House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This means it is recognized as a special historical place.
Contents
What the Church Looks Like
The South China Community Church is in the middle of South China village. It is on the north side of Village Street. The building is a single-story structure with several parts.
Key Features of the Building
The most noticeable part of the church is its square tower. This tower has a belfry, which is a section with openings for bells. The top of the tower is shaped like a pyramid.
To the right of the tower, there is a lower section with a gently sloping roof. Behind this, there is a taller section with a gable facing the front. This taller part was the original main worship area.
How the Building Changed Over Time
To the left of the tower, there is a shorter section with a gable. This connects to a longer section with a lower roof. The main entrance to the church is at the bottom of the tower. It has a small roof over it. There are also other entrances nearby.
History of the South China Community Church
The original part of the church was built in 1883. The local Quaker community built it. It replaced an older building called the Pond Meeting House. At first, it was a simple wooden building.
Building Expansions and Updates
Around 1900, the church was made bigger. The tower was added, and the main worship area was extended. The sections to the left of the tower were added later. These changes helped the church serve its growing community.
Rufus Jones and the Church
Rufus Jones was born and raised in South China. Even as an adult, he would spend his summers here. He regularly attended Quaker meetings at this church. People often said he would speak at these meetings, sharing his thoughts and ideas. His connection makes the church a significant historical site.
See also
