Memorials, Gifts and Dedications in the Vestry of Peoples UMC

The area of Peoples known as the Vestry is the downstairs area of the main church. When Peoples on Broadway was first available for use it was the vestry that was used for all purposes since the sanctuary was still under construction. It opened with a main area with the kitchen on one end and a stage on the other. Behind the stage were two rooms that were first used as teaching rooms for the youngest of our children. They were also used as dressing rooms if members of the church were using the stage for performance.  Originally sliding doors separated the vestry into two areas for Sunday school with elementary age children using the areas nearest the stage and the junior department using the area closest to the kitchen. Senior high students might often be seen in a small room where today can be found the stairs to Ellis Hall and a closet used by Shawl Ministry. Where the ramp is today and the choir room was a pass through in order to avoid disturbing what might be transpiring in the areas already mentioned. Parallel to the rooms behind the stage was a short hall with a rest room for men and another for women. Today there is one unisex bathroom as the men's rest room was removed when the trustees and the handicap accessability initiative le for the elevator shaft to b extended to that level

There are a number of memorials, dedications and gifts to be found in the area of the vestry that are often bypassed  which will be noted here.



Sports and Scouting Trophies

 

 On the shelves by the Choir Room Door stand a number of trophies that tell the story of Peoples and sports and Boy Scouts. In the 1960’s the men sponsored a bowling team that was very successful in engaging men in the Greater Portland Christian Men’s Bowling League that operated first at the YMCA and then at the Big 20 in Scarborough. The YMCA also sponsored a Teen Basketball League for both Junior High and High School. The teens from Peoples always did well in the league and on more than one occasion won the league.

 

There is also one trophy on the shelf indicating that Peoples sponsored Troop 23 did well in a regional camporee. Peoples has since 1918 sponsored a Boy Scout Troop and after World War II sponsored Cub Scout Pack 23 until a few years ago when it dropped the number 23 and Pack 22 came to Peoples. A long history with organizations for girls such as Girl Scouts and Campfire Girls dating back to the 1920’s also appears to have ended.

Hanging over the piano in the Vestry is a picture titled, “The Raging Sea” which was painted by Elsie Hoyt a long time active member of Peoples UMC. She was the daughter of Rev. Charles O. Perry who served as pastor of Peoples in the 1930’s. The picture was a gift from her when she and her husband, David moved to the west coast. David and Elsie had three children all of whom had been active in the life of Peoples. Charles Hoyt also became a Methodist pastor.

 

Located to the right of the stage is an upright piano that was a gift to the church from Linda and Fred Wade. When the church was in transition from High Street to the Broadway location a temporary organ had been purchased from a warehouse in Massachusetts for $500 and placed in this location where it served until the Estes Organ purchased in 1912 and brought from High Street could be installed in the new sanctuary. Within two years that organ was sold to another church for $550. An upright piano was purchased by the choir once that organ was removed and served until a few years ago when the one pictured was made available.

The pew found in the vestry was one of three removed from the present day sanctuary to allow for a wider aisle as one enters. The primary provider of funds for the pews was Meredith Trefethen and his family. Meredith was an outstanding member of the church choir and was involved in a number of church activities. He was the owner of Trefethen’s garage located at the corner of Broadway and Cottage Road. The garage for some time was the local dealership for Pontiac automobiles.

The display cabinet pictured above is found in the vestry on the wall by the ramp. It was commissioned by the Archives committee as a memorial to the 175 years that we as a church trace to the first class meeting held in the area of Willard Square (Point Village) in 1839. The cabinet was masterfully constructed by Jim MacKinnon and hung in this location for all to see in September 2014. While it most often will display a changing display of church memorabilia and archival materials it might be used to display other items as well.

 

Covering the back wall of the vestry are a series of panels that were painted by teenage members of the church who were either members of a class and/or the UMYF (United Methodist Youth Fellowship. These were painted in 1978 and were hung there until there was some damage caused by water leaks on that wall. They were taken down and placed in the old garage storage area between the church and the parsonage. Forgotten for a period of years they were a few years ago rediscovered and again hung in the vestry. It is the important story of creation that is told in the Bible and also serves as a reminder of what our young folks, if given the opportunity can do and leave for future generations to use.

In the beginning God made the sky and he separated the waters above from the waters below.

And the Lord separated the land from the sea and said “let there be light.”

And the Lord created sea life and birds above and then life came to the land in the form of living creatures and plants.

 

 

And on the Seventh Day he rested.

 

Memorials and Dedications in the Congregational Area of the Sanctuary

Beginning at the back of the sanctuary just beyond the doors to your left is a plaque for the gifts that supported the building of the handicap accessibility made possible by the construction of the ramp to the front entrance of the church and the elevator that is available from that landing to the sanctuary level. The plaque names the following individuals who they are dedicated to: Helen Benson, Llewellyn McGouldrick Sr., Sylvia Dow, Alberta Brown and Hazel Ellis. Each of these individuals had served the greater community of South Portland and this church well from the opening of the doors to the church on Broadway and earlier. Later when the whole church plant was linked for handicap passage the Trustees were responsible for extending the elevator to the vestry. A ramp was built from that level to the ground level of the vestry and then an elevator chair carrier was built from the vestry level to the breezeway.

To the right of the doorway there is a small plaque that dedicates the gift of the first significant sound system in the 1980’s to Nelson and Lena Day. The Days were among the members of the church that saw a need for a better sound system especially for those that may have had hearing issues.

Two brass plaques that were placed on the back wall when the sanctuary was finished are in memory of Albert Thurrill and Charles Tilton. Both men had served in leadership roles as stewards. The Board of Stewards and Leaders would have been in the past like the Administrative Board and Trustees all rolled into one. Mr. Thurrill was active in the 1870 and beyond period of time while Mr. Tilton’s years of activity spanned the 1890-1920 period of time. Often the Board of Stewards and Leaders would meet across the street from the church in Ferry Village at Thurrill’s Apothecary Shop (later to be known as a drug store). In later days the drug store was known as Dow’s Drug Store.

Also to be found on the back wall a plaque in honor of Bert Farnum. Bert was active in the church from the 1940’s until the 1980’s. He was very active in all activities that involved the Men’s Club later to be known as the United Methodist Men. He was the father of Barbara Whitmore and Janice Malcom who in turn was the mother of Kevin Malcom.

Kevin Malcom was involved in the life of Peoples actively from the mid-1980’s until his passing in 200?.  Kevin was involved in a number of things at church but most noteworthy was his ministry known as the Circle of Friends. A certificate mounted on the wall recognizes the Circle of Friends. While gathering a small group to work with at Peoples he was in contact with many churches around the world through the internet. He was also involved in the planning committee for the celebration of Peoples Sesquicentennial in 2003. The proclamation of recognition by the Maine Legislature on the back wall was due to Kevin’s efforts.

 Also at the back of the church is a desk/cabinet with glass top that holds the book of dedications and often serves to support the guest book. This beautiful piece was given to the church by the    Darling family in honor of Hazel “Mom” Edwards, the mother of Hillie Cass.

Also at the front of the sanctuary on the same side is a Baby Grand Piano that was gifted to the church in the 1950’s. At this time I do not know who it was gifted by other than I know it took some effort to get it into its place in the sanctuary.

The most predominant memorials in the sanctuary can be seen in each and every stained-glass window. Small brass plaques can be found beneath each of the windows with the names of those folks for whom the window was given and/or dedicated. The description of the story in each window and who it was given by and for has been included in a separate piece of writing.

 

Added to the plaques on the back wall of the sanctuary is one given to the church that is dedicated to all of the pastors that have served Peoples and the church bodies that led to the creation of Peoples as a community from 1839 to the present.  As part of the 175^th celebration held in 2014 the Archives Committee had this plaque created and presented to the church body.

Memorials, Gifts and Dedications in the Chancel of the Sanctuary

The Sanctuary of Peoples UMC was used for the first official time on January 4, 1948 when the Bishop, Lewis Hartman was invited to preach. Local radio station WPOR carried the service over the air waves. Fully furnished the sanctuary was at that time enhanced by a number of items that were in fact dedicated to folks who had been members and instrumental in carrying out God’s message and service through Peoples. Other furnishings were provided through the raising of funds by groups within the church or by families that were active at Peoples.

 

 

 

The Altar which still graces the chancel of the sanctuary was dedicated to former pastor Charles A. Brooks. It was the Brooks Bible Class which provided the funds for the Altar.

The Pulpit from which every pastor has preached at Peoples since 1948 was dedicated to Reverend Walter H. Cass who had died while assigned to Peoples in 1942. He was the father of Dr. Malcolm Cass who had become the organist of Peoples and would serve in that capacity for over 60 years.

The lectern on the opposite side of the chancel where often a lay leader will serve in religious services was dedicated to another former pastor, Felix Powell. Reverend Powell for many years after serving at Peoples would serve as a Methodist evangelist around the country. His son, Alger remained a member of Peoples for a number of years and was quite active on a number of committees.

 

Also located in the chancel area are two flower stands that were dedicated to two former members of the Manter Class. The members the flower stands were dedicated to were Grace Cook Brown and Meta Tilton Keene. This group was named after a very active member in the earlier part of the 20^th century by the name of Zebulon Manter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The hymn boards located to either side of the chancel were purchased by the Senior Choir in memory of Mrs. Lou V. Cole and Dr. Moses L. Stilphen, two former members of the choir. Dr. Stilphen was a homeopathic doctor whose residence and office were located at the corner of Preble Street and Broadway. At one time after his living at this location the property was turned into a nursing home and later it was purchased by SMCC as a residence for students.

The Chalice case located under the Hymn Board to the left as one faces the chancel was built by Harold Craigs, a long time parishioner of Peoples as one of his many gifts  to the church that will be mentioned in other locations of the church property. Originally it held a John Wesley Anniversary communion cup that had been given to the church by Lelia Moore. Mr. Craigs had been a master craftsman and woodcraft designer for Thomas P. Beals Furniture in Portland.

Perhaps the first thing that catches the eye of most people who are seated in the pews and facing the chancel beyond the Cross is the Rose Window that rises above the Altar. Outstanding features of the window would be the cross that can be found in the middle with an A on the left side of the cross’s arms and an O to the right. These are Greek letters that represent the beginning (Alpha) and the end (Omega) meaning that Jesus is both the beginning and end for all of us. The window was provided in honor of John B. Woodbury. Very active in the life of the church, Mr. Woodbury was noted especially for his years as Sunday school superintendent when there were many teachers at all levels of Christian education and even more students. Numbers recorded indicate that over 300 students were enrolled in classes.

 

 When the finishing touches were placed on the chancel by covering the organ pipes large wooden framed grillwork was erected and dedicated to John’s wife Leona. It was also the Woodbury family that completed the modern organ by purchasing the Carillon that is hidden behind the grillwork on the left side as you face the chancel.  TH      This picture was taken when the grill work was taken down for Organ Restoration in June of 2014.

 

 

 

 

 The organ console, the most obvious feature of the organs that have graced the sanctuary was given by the Senior Choir in memory of Fred S. Jewett. He had been a long time contributor to the music programs of Peoples Church. The original organ in the Broadway sanctuary had previously been in the Ferry Village Church since 1912. It was still serving the music ministry when the new sanctuary opened in 1948. It would not be until 1960-62 that the new organ would be installed and it would not be until 2015 when it was completely restored. Following the death of Dr. Cass the Reuter organ was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Malcolm Cass, who had served as organist at Peoples for over 60 years.

The traditional location inside the communion rail on the lower level of the chancel is where the baptismal font has been located. To coordinate with the rest of the sanctuary furniture, the font carries on its front the cross inside a circle. This can also be found on all of the ends or fronts of pews or all other major furnishings in the sanctuary. The font was dedicated also in 1948 to Mrs. Grace Starling. Mrs. Starling was one of the leading women of the first half of the 20^th century in church life.

While purchased and dedicated later, the offering plates that are used today were dedicated to Etta Robinson and gifted to the church by her family. Mrs. Robinson was responsible in her years for creating a clothes closet in her home for those that might be in need. No other form of welfare was available through government operations and therefore as “Mother” Robinson saw it, it was the responsibility of Peoples and she as a member to offer this service. Etta was also one of the first women elected to the state House of Representatives in Augusta. She was the mother of John Robinson and Belle Graney as well as George Robinson and Henrietta LaRou. This set of offering plates were used for the first time in the 1960s.

 

 

While not stored in the chancel or sanctuary a set of hand bells was gifted to the church by Janet Wallace Fifield and are heard when played from the chancel. The bells were gifted in honor of Janet’s mother, Betty Wallace. Janet was the first director of the hand bell choir. Later the choir was restored under Marita Gould, then again under Doug Greer. Today the choir again has been restored under music director Debbie Cole playing throughout the year and adding aspecial touch to our church services.

To the left of the picture the Advent Candle stand can be seen. This was given to Peoples many years ago by Lelia Moore in memory of her parents, The Sutherlands.

 The baby-grand piano that is located in the sanctuary below the Pulpit is often used when the choir sings from a location beside or above the piano. Given to the church in the late 1950's the giver or dedication is unknown to this writer. Perhaps there is someone who might read this and know the story that is associated with its becoming an integral part of Peoples church life.

Memorials and Dedications at Peoples at the Main Entrance

When one enters the front door of the church one may first look up to see a unique chandelier that hangs from the ceiling. This chandelier is one of the few items that were brought from the Ferry Village church when Peoples moved to this location. Originally it was a gas operated light and was converted to electrical use at this site. The chandelier is dedicated to the Nixon sisters who had been very active in the old church.

 

If one faces either side of the landing there are two stained glass windows that were given to Peoples in loving memory of John Robinson. John who was active in many ways on committees of the church was perhaps best remembered by children who attended church when Mr. Robinson would greet them with a hand shake, a smile and their name. Over time the number of children present in church has diminished and one should appreciate the fact that as late as the 1970s there were as many as 200 children’s names that Mr. Robinson could remember. One of the two windows depicts an Easter theme while the other displays a Dove of Peace.

 

 

 Above the front entrance, viewed most easily from the inside is the Founders Window. This centerpiece above the doorway was another item brought from the old church in the village before it was demolished. All of the names displayed in the window had been of men who had served the church in its earliest years. Some of those names until recent years might still have been found in the descendents of those listed while other names may more often be found in other churches, especially the First Congregational Church. Not in the original window, the Vine of Life that surrounds the Founders Window was not added until the 1950s or 1960s and is dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Winchinbach who were active members at the time that the move to Broadway took place. This was given in their memory by their son and daughter and their families.