Group leases Indian River church

ADDISON — The historic Indian River Community Church has been leased to a Down East Christian group affiliated with the established Sargentville Restoration Branch.

The group of about 25, which has been meeting in the home of James and Lillian Huntley at Jonesport, will conduct a Christian education school at 9 a.m. each Sunday, and 11 a.m. preaching services in the church that was built in 1850.

According to Charles Farnsworth and Margaret Stevens, co-presidents of the local Indian River Community Association, the group represented by the Huntleys have agreed to lease the former Baptist church building for one year. “It will be a good thing for the community,” Farnsworth said. “It is the only church we have here at Indian River. Having the building in use will keep it alive.”

The group has already painted the church’s interior, and other improvements and maintenance work will be done in accordance with the lease agreement. About five years ago, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.

On Sunday, Oct. 17, Elder Winfield Billings of Stonington delivered the group’s first sermon in the church. On Sunday, Oct. 24, Elder William Wilson will be the guest preacher.