Renovation spurs church teamwork Blue Hill Congregationalists share space with displaced Episcopalians

BLUE HILL – Construction signs, diggers, new paint, a dusty parking lot. It was obvious to even a casual observer that Saint Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church was undergoing a huge renovation that should bring a halt to services.

But thanks to the First Congregational Church of Blue Hill, services continued for Saint Francis parishioners. The Rev. Alice Hildebrand, recorded minister of the Society of Friends and parish assistant of the Congregational church, said that discussion of sharing the Congregational church with Episcopal neighbors began even before the renovations. Bill Entwistle, church moderator, said his congregation had been eager to help, especially considering that Blue Hill is such a small community. Many members are friends of those at the Episcopal church. Even couples might not attend the same church.

At first, both churches thought of sharing services but determined that separate times of worship would best serve their members. Each denomination has a different focus and centerpiece to its service. The Congregational church service is centered on the sermon, but the Eucharist is the center of the Episcopal service, with Sunday Communion.

The Rev. Vesta Kowalski, interim celebrant and preacher at Saint Francis, agreed that the differences in the two churches’ services made it difficult to merge. The easier route, one both agreed upon, was to hold services at different times – the Episcopal church at 7:30 and 9 a.m. with a coffee hour; and the Congregational at 11 a.m. with its choir practicing while the Episcopalians enjoyed coffee.

There remained parking problems that would force older members of the Congregational church to arrive earlier so they might park nearer the church. Despite worries, parking worked out remarkably well, Ruby Kedwell, a Congregationalist, said.

“Everyone was very considerate and aware of the problems that parking could pose, and worked hard to make it work,” Entwistle agreed.

Most schedule juggling came during religious holidays when pulpits were moved in or out and furniture rearranged. Hildebrand said that her church, built in the 1800s, got a workout at Christmas, with five services, all run without a hitch.

Two joint services were held – one in early October, St. Francis Day, and a Lenten program in February, just before St. Francis worshippers moved into their new church. St. Francis’ members invited the Congregational church to a lamb roast as a “thank you” to their helpful neighbors.

The new Episcopal church foyer features wrought-iron chandeliers, pews with needlepoint kneeling benches in an expanded space that allows 200 worshippers.

Downstairs at Saint Francis, separate offices for priest and secretary join a flexible conference room, kitchen, meeting space, children’s room, and two modern bathrooms. The highlight of the new sanctuary is a hand-built organ donated by the Ann Parson family. It sits, traditionally, in the back of the meeting hall, and its assuring but powerful vibrations that surround parishioners bring a smile to many a face. Organist Dr. Gerald Wheeler is proud of the masterpiece and eager to show it. The organ was built by Karl Wilhelm and is a piece of exquisite cabinetry. Even Yale organist Tom Murray described the instrument as “magnificent.”

All the appointments aside, the friendship between the two churches was enriched and those at the heart of the effort spoke warmly of hospitality displayed by Congregationalists, who even set aside refrigerator space for their friends.

Rev. Kowalski said the sharing will lead to more joint ventures, maybe allowing members to accomplish even more than they would separately. It is not an entirely new idea: Hildebrand said that at one time or another the food pantry, community center and clothing exchange were all shared efforts.