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.