Episcopal bishop speaks at centennial in Isleboro

ISLEBORO — Christ Church in Dark Harbor marked its centennial on Aug. 1 with a service featuring a sermon by the Right Rev. Edward Chalfant, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine.

Other clergy participating were the Rev. Edward Bacon of Second Baptist Church, the Rev. Thomas N. Oates and the Rev. Edwin S.S. Sunderland Jr.

The first Episcopal services held on the island actually began in the summers of 1891 and 1892 at the first Isleboro Inn. Conducting the services in the ballroom were two clergymen, the Rev. William P. Lewis of Christ Church Chapel in Philadelphia, and the Rev. William Prall of St. John’s Church in Detroit.

A parcel of land for a church had actually been purchased in 1889 on Shipyard Point for $5 from the Isleboro Land and Improvement Co. Records of the Isleboro Historical Society indicate that a small chapel was built at a cost of $2,800, and the first service was held Aug. 6, 1893.

Dr. Jeffrey Brackett, in whose home lay services had been originally held, went on to serve as an executive officer of the church’s board of trustees for almost 60 years.

The current church of wood and stone was built in 1902. The small chapel was moved and became the transept of the church. Behind the altar inside is a carved scene of Jesus the Good Shepherd, supposedly made by Augustus Saint Gaudens.

The former W.E. Scull property was given to the church in 1956 to be used as a rectory, parish house and cemetery.

Longtime summer resident Dudley Howe was senior warden for more than 30 years. His daughter, Mrs. C. Haven Ladd, is on the board of trustees.

For more than 25 years, the Rev. Benedict Williams served as summer rector. More recently, Episcopal priests have served as the church’s minister during the summer weeks.

A collection of church memorabilia is on display at the Isleboro Historical Society during August.

The “Anniversary Hymn” sung the first Sunday every August features words written by Jeffrey R. Brackett in 1860: “O God, beneath thy feet we’ve placed this simple shrine. Deem it for thine acceptance meet, and make it truly thine.”