Two churches to celebrate bicentennials as Methodists

HAMPDEN and ORRINGTON — Two churches on opposite sides of the Penobscot River will celebrate 200 years of Methodism and their founding by Jessie Lee with a number of events.

First United Methodist Church in Orrington will kick off the celebration with a bluegrass gospel concert by the Country Boys 6-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2. Refreshments will be served afterward.

A historical pageant will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, at Hampden Highlands United Methodist Church on Kennebec Road.

The re-enactment of Jessie Lee’s historic crossing of the Penobscot River will be held at 3 p.m., with “Jessie Lee” riding on horseback to the Ferry landing on Ferry Lane in Hampden. He will then cross the river to Ferry Road in Orrington, where he will be greeted by gospel song.

A public turkey harvest buffet will be held 4:30-6 p.m. Oct. 3 at First United Methodist Church in Orrington. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children.

A revival meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at First UMC, Orrington. The preacher will be the Rev. Peter Chyung.

Pastors of the participating churches are the Rev. Heidi Chamberland in Orrington, and the Rev. Patricia Bristow-Carrico in Hampden. For information, call 862-4195 or 825-4414.