Guilford church to mark 175 years

GUILFORD – Guilford Center Baptist Church is like an old familiar friend to Elaine Law, 76, of Dover-Foxcroft.

The quaint white church in her childhood neighborhood was like a second home to Law and her family, including her grandmother, Carrie Wharff, her father and mother, Cecil and Flora Wharff, and her brother, Ken Wharff, all of whom were devoted members.

It was where Law attended and later taught Sunday school, where she exchanged vows with her sweetheart, Steve Law, during a double wedding ceremony with her brother and his beloved, Marion Hatch, and where she returned when her husband retired from his out-of-state job.

“I just didn’t think about going anywhere except back to the Guilford Center Baptist Church,” Law said. It was the first permanent Baptist church established in Piscataquis County and is believed to be the oldest Baptist congregation in the state.

With her family history so tightly intertwined with the little country church, Law will be among those certain to make its 175th birthday celebration on Saturday, June 24, and on Old Home Sunday, June 25, events to remember. She and Carolyn Campbell, another member, have published a history of the church.

As part of the two-day event, Ed Sealy of Canada, a noted spiritual musician and gifted evangelist, will bring the gospel message through preaching and music. An open house will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 24, followed by a 7 p.m. concert. A public dinner will be served after the 10:30 a.m. Sunday, June 25, worship service.

According to local history, the first record of any religious services held in Guilford Center was in 1808, but it was in the spring of 1831 when a meeting house was erected on land donated by a local ardent Christian. The traditional Baptist church has preached the Gospel and Scripture every Sunday since its inception.

While the content of the service has remain unchanged – with hymns and Scripture playing a big role – the building itself has experienced many changes. Over time, the interior was renovated and stained glass windows were installed. For the pulpit, a new Communion table and haircloth chairs were purchased and they are still in use today.

As improvements continue to be made to the building, members hope to increase the membership to ensure its future for another 175 years.