OQUOSSOC – The Oquossoc Union Church, better known as The Log Church, celebrated its centennial anniversary on Sunday.
The celebration began with a special service at 9 a.m., the Rev. Tony MacNaughton presiding. The Church was adorned with beautiful decorations. Hollow birch logs, filled with large arrangements of wild flowers, flanked the pulpit, and the antique stained-glass windows each held a mason jar of wild flowers and a battery-powered candle.
Maine Sen. Susan Collins sent celebratory greetings. Rangeley Town Manager Tim Pellerin appeared personally and informed parishioners that selectmen had declared the day “Log Church Centennial Day.” Police Chief Russell French delivered the Police Department’s congratulations. Bob Hunter read a special prayer, and guitarist Rodney Ensley sang and played “The Little Mountain Church House.”
The celebration resumed that afternoon with a barbecue chicken dinner at Bald Mountain Camps. Cindy Dornemann and Ruth Berry greeted the more than 100 guests, giving each a final opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for their beautiful handmade quilt to be awarded at next week’s raffle drawing.
Guests were treated to performances by a number of Rangeley’s most popular musicians, who donated their time to mark the occasion. Don Mantovani began with cocktail music on the keyboard. A trio consisting of Rabbi Helen Plotkin, her father Henry Plotkin, and Sue Borko played chamber music on cello, violin and flute, respectively. Rangeley’s favorite a cappella chorus, the PEPS (Pam Morse, Erin Smith, Pam Ellis and Sue Borko) concluded with a rousing performance of some old favorites. All the performers were warmly received and much appreciated.
The Rev Tony MacNaughton told a few jokes and presented a plaque expressing gratitude for Connie Coleman’s many years of hard work and devotion to the Church. Robin Landis provided some historical background. She noted that the Church owes its existence to the vision and hard work of a small group of people who came together 100 years ago.
She noted further that the mission they articulated, “to provide for and support the preaching of the Gospel at Oquossoc, Maine, and to promote the social, moral and religious welfare of said community,” remains unchanged today. The festivities concluded with Bob McLellan leading the guests in a stirring rendition of “Happy Birthday” as they enjoyed a remarkable cake in the form of the Church. All agreed it had been a fitting 100th birthday celebration for a beloved local institution.
– Submitted by Robert Landis
Beautiful church. Our nephew and wife got married there a few years back.