AUGUSTA – Maine Preservation, a private nonprofit organization, presented the 2003 statewide Historic Preservation Honor Awards on May 13 at the Maine State House Hall of Flags.

Twelve individuals, organizations and projects were honored for exemplifying best practices and principles of historic preservation in Maine.

The Rev. Stephen Foote was this year’s recipient of the Preservation Champion Award for his leadership in the preservation and restoration of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Portland.

The Organizational Excellence Award was presented to the Castine Historical Society for its heritage education and advocacy efforts and for restoration efforts at the 1857 Abbott School, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Robert Cariddi of Buxton, a master carpenter, received the Preservation Trades Award for his restoration of four projects: the McLellan House, the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, the Victoria Mansion, each in Portland, and the Blaine House in Augusta, which serves as the home of Maine’s governor.

Properties that received awards included: the Lewiston District Courthouse, formerly the Frye Block Music Hall; the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, Portland; the McLellan House, Portland; the Baxter Memorial Library, Gorham; the Barker Mill Arms, Auburn; the Hammond Heirs Building, Portland; Deering Oaks Ravine Rehabilitation Project, Portland; Parson Mason-Day House, Castine; George McManus House, Brunswick.

For information about the event or Maine Preservation, contact Roxanne Eflin, 775-3652, or visit the group’s Web site at www.mainepreservation.com.