SEARSMONT – Members of the Abundant Grace Church spent part of their Fourth of July weekend clearing land for a new log church.

Chain saws and a wood chipper may have replaced the sound of ax and mule, but the building material for the church has not changed much from what might have been used 200 years ago.

“We compared the costs of various options, from stick-built to modular and even metal, took a good look at the tall pines on our property, considered the quaintness of the Searsmont community, and decided building a log cabin facility made sense,” said the Rev. Peter Sheff, pastor.

Building a church facility is not new to Sheff. He has pioneered churches and facilities in Alaska, Pennsylvania, Florida and Maine.

“This is probably my last pioneering effort in building a church,” said Sheff. “At 58, I realize there are fewer years ahead than behind. I have devoted the remaining years of my life in helping to build a vibrant and life-changing community of faith that we pray will have a significant impact, not only in Searsmont but the entire midcoast area.”

At an estimated cost of $200,000, the small congregation is being tested. The church has about 45 adults and children, making the project, “a bit of a stretch for us,” he said.

The excavation and the parking lot at the Route 131 site will be completed by mid-July. The church is hoping that its building will be ready in time for the Christmas season.

He noted that the church has secured a bank loan that should cover more than half the cost and that members have committed themselves to about $40,000.

“There is a gap of about $50,000 that we are having to totally trust God for,” he said.

For information, contact Sheff at 589-4883.