Religion in brief SOUTH THOMASTON: WYETH GRANT

The Finnish Congregational Church recently received a $5,000 grant that will be used to construct a cement basement under the historic structure. The money comes from Up East Inc., a nonprofit foundation that provides support for charitable activities in midcoast Maine. The church has raised half of $50,000 needed for the project. The goal is to raise the money before the church’s 100th anniversary in October 2007. The 24-by-62-foot structure has always rested on fieldstones and banking boards. It is believed to be the last church of this type within the United States and is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.