Chesuncook Village Church

Chesuncook Village Church Historic Church - built by Great Northern Paper Co. in this early 1900s logging village and used as a church/school house. (Nat'l Historic Reg.)

Presently July & August summer services on Sundays begin at 10:00 as ministers and lay leaders are available. Chesuncook Village Church . . . Chesuncook, Maine
Thursday, February 27, 2021·

“It was in 1922 that a group of village women decided the time had come for a “real” church. The suggestion was presented to Great Northern and paper company officials approved. The dedicatory service was held

on Sunday, Oct. 28, 1923. Thereafter, ministers and theological students were sent to the village each summer by the Congregational Christian Conference of Maine (now the United Church of Christ) to conduct services and social activities. The Catholic church at Greenville would occasionally provide a priest.
“As long as the state felt it should provide education, the church felt it should do no less,” (Robert)Mayhew explained. He served as village pastor during the summers of 1936 and 1937. Three years before Mayhew’s first summer here the old village schoolhouse was declared unfit for occupancy and Great Northern gave the state permission to use the church as a school building. It served in that capacity until 1943 when a school was no longer needed.”
The church fell into disrepair and was not used until the 1970’s when a group came together to restore the aging church. At the time it was owned by Great Northern paper Co. Fundraising began and many (including Maurice Anderson, Mr. Mayhew, Robert Simon, Oscar Gagnon, Tony Bartley, & Bernice Edwards) were involved in fundraising to make the restoration work happen. From the early 1980’s to the late 1990’s ministers and their families came to the village for a week of relaxing, light work about the church and parsonage, and to lead a Sunday service of worship. The only way into the village during those years was by boat so rides were arranged for the visiting pastors to come by boat into the village.Many ministers and lay leaders fondly remember and cherish memories of their time at The Village. Over the years many volunteers have worked at keeping the church and parsonage buildings in good repair, but weather and remoteness and lack of funds have taken a toll on the buildings. In 2014 the State of Maine deeded the church building to the Union Church in Greenville. (the land remains under a lease from the State). Fundraising continues in 2021. A very generous donation given to the project recently will allow for renovations to the parsonage buildings so that visiting clergy will have a comfortable place to stay. More funds are needed to continue the renovations to the church. The porch needs to be replaced soon. If you would like to be part of this Chesuncook Church & Parsonage fundraising you may contact the Chesuncook Church committee through the Union Church in Greenville – [email protected]. We appreciate your interest. Union Church, UCC; P.O.Box 368; Greenville, ME 04441
ATTN: Chesuncook Church - [email protected]

08/24/2025

Join us Sunday, Sept. 7 at 10AM for the worship service at the historic Chesuncook Village Church.... last planned service of the '25 season, followed by our annual Potluck Picnic. Hope to see you there. Rev. Kathleen Fitzgibbons to lead worship. The Pine Stream Road is in good shape.

07/24/2025

This Sunday - July 27 - Chesuncook Village Church will be a "do-it-yourself' service of worship. If you are in the Village and want a quiet spot to sit and reflect or sing or pray....come to the church, sit in the pews, or sit on the porch. ... a beautiful, peaceful place to visit. There will be no leader in the pulpit but there will be a bulletin with a few suggestions for readings or hymns to sing. Next week - Aug. 3, Rev. Michael Caldwell - a 25 year veteran of Chesuncook Church leadership - will be in-house. Come & See.

07/14/2025

Historic Chesuncook Village Church, but in 1923 by GNPaper Co. for the thriving & busy Chesuncook Village.
Summer of 2025 - still thriving with Sunday services(10 AM) through Sept 7 (Old Home Sunday & Picnic)..... visiting pastors leading services. All welcome to share in an ecumenical service in the Great Maine North Woods.

07/02/2025

Sunday, July 6, 2025 - first service of the season at Chesuncook Village Church. 10AM with Rev. Kathleen Fitzgibbons.

07/02/2025

We welcome all to visit our little church in the big North Woods at Chesuncook Village. Come by boat, come by canoe, come by float plane, come by truck or high clearance vehicle... Come to the Church in the Wildwood. Sunday services begin at 10AM. The first service of the 2025 season - July 6, 2025 - will be lead by Rev. Kathleen Fitzgibbons who travels over by boat from Umbazooksus. Other worship leaders throughout this season include: Chaplain Patti Moore, Rev. Cathy Genthner, Rev. Jim Bergdoll, Rev. Michael Caldwell -his 25th year! - Rev. Genise Stern, Rev. Doretta Colburn, Rev. Bruce Burnham, returning after 30 years!; .... Old Home Sunday at this historic church will be celebrated on Sunday, September 7, 2025 with a church service and potluck picnic. Get away from it all and "Come & See".

A beautiful church in the Maine North Woods. 100 Years Strong!
09/13/2023

A beautiful church in the Maine North Woods. 100 Years Strong!

Can you join us on Sept. 3 for the Rededication of the 100 year old Chesuncook Village Church?.... 10AM service followed...
08/24/2023

Can you join us on Sept. 3 for the Rededication of the 100 year old Chesuncook Village Church?.... 10AM service followed by a pot-luck picnic... This beautiful church in the 'Village' was built in 1923 by GNP Co. Abandoned in the 1940's - villagers and friends came together to reclaim it from the weather and the weeds. It was first reopened and rededicated in 1975. For the last 48 summers it has provided a place of respite and renewal and historic interest for boaters, canoers, day-trippers, and visiting clergy & their families. It is supported by many who appreciate its beauty, its meaning, and its historic presence on the hill in Chesuncook Village. You are invited to Come -Sept. 3 - & See. (NOTE: the Pine Stream road is very rough; high clearance vehicles with good tires are recommended. If you can, bring a food item to add the the picnic table). 10AM worship service led by Rev. Kathleen Fitzgibbons.

08/17/2023

Discover the Timeless Beauty of a 100-Year-Old Church in the Northern Maine woods - CHESUNCOOK VILLAGE CHURCH

Step into a world of enchantment and tranquility as you embark on a journey to the remote settings of the Northern Maine Woods. Here, a century-old church stands strong, a testament to unwavering faith and the enduring spirit of a dedicated community. Join us as we unveil the captivating story and unique allure of this hidden gem built by GNP Co. in 1923 for the people of Chesuncook Village.

A symbol of resilience that is nestled deep within the pristine wilderness, Chesuncook Village Church has defied the odds. This church has weathered the test of time. Its survival in such a remote location is a testament to the resilience and devotion of those who have nurtured its legacy. Come discover the fascinating history behind its construction and the challenges it has overcome, becoming an emblem of unwavering faith.

Stepping inside this sacred space, you will find solace and peace like nowhere else. The church's remote location amidst the unspoiled wilderness creates a unique ambiance that allows visitors to connect with nature and the divine. Whether you are seeking spiritual enlightenment or simply a moment of respite from the chaos of everyday life, this hidden gem offers a sanctuary of tranquility.

Beyond its religious significance, Chesuncook Village Church represents the rich heritage and traditions of the local community. It serves as a gathering place for both locals and curious travelers, fostering a sense of unity and celebration. Immerse yourself in the warm embrace of the community that breathes life into this historic landmark.

Visiting this century old church is a journey worth taking. So go ahead and plan your adventure to the Northern Maine Woods and embark on a path less traveled. Going to this remarkable church, steeped in history and surrounded by the beauty of nature, promises an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

Written and shared by a property owner & Friend of the Chesuncook Church.

Invitation:
Come to our centennial celebration on Sunday, September 3rd starting with the 10AM church service led by Rev. Kathleen Fitzgibbons. There will be music by special guests and friends of the Chesuncook Church and a Pot-Luck Picnic to follow the church service. (Bring a food item to put on the community buffet table.)

(NOTE: While it is an interesting and fun excursion into the Village – it can be up to a 3 hour journey over rough roads from Kokadjo. Driving a high-clearance vehicle with good tires is strongly advised, especially on the Pine Stream Road.)

07/22/2023

Chesuncook Village Church is always open. The service this week will be 'self-service' as unexpected complications have led to having no in-house leader on 7.23.23. If you come for the 10:00 service - pick up a Bible from one of the pews and share a reading or two.... Psalm 100 is a good one. If you have a musician, try the old pump organ. Or - using the hymnals, sing (or read) a hymn or two. Have a great day in this historic village. Happy 100th birthday Chesuncook Church. (and Meeting House). Check out the old photos and the comments posted in the church from many who have stayed in the village and helped lead church services over the years. Caution: if you are gong in via Pine Stream Road, please know that you will need a high clearance vehicle. The road has a few washed out culverts and is not in great shape right now.

07/05/2023

1923 HEADLINE /GLOBE:
Chesuncook, Population 60 Now Has a Fine Little Church
Great Northern Paper Company, Up in Maine Woods, Furnishes Lumber

1923: Special Dispatch to the Globe
Chesuncook Me. Dec. 8 – This little community far up in the Maine woods will have the happiest Christmas ever because of the pride and joy of the place, the new church. Plans for the festivities are well under way, and when the events come off it will be a good opportunity to take a census of the population, for nearly all of the 60 persons who live here will be there.
Chesuncook is 60 miles from Greenville, which is at the foot of Moosehead Lake, and is on one of the great grand trails, in the midst of the vast timberland of the Great Northern Paper Company, which always has an army of men cutting spruce for its insatiable mills at Millinocket and East Millinocket, which must grind day and night in order to keep the presses of several great metropolitan dailies supplied.
Chesuncook is on no highway. The only automobile ever seen there came across on the water on the frozen lake. The entire population is made up of longtime residents, guides, hotel and camp proprietors with store annexes. The transcient population is much larger than the permanent, and every night from -?- to 200 or more persons are in and around Chesuncook.
The residents are honest, conscientious people, religiously inclined.
A rather primitive church had served the purpose of a schoolhouse and a general meeting place for the community. Some of the people, realizing that their children were not having a fair chance, nor the church, either, broached the matter to the officials of the Great Northern Company, which has a social service department.
The appeal met with quick response from the two men who have the most to say about the Great Northern’s activities in Northern Maine – Garret Schenck and Fred A. Gilbert. Mr. Gilbert took a personal interest. The company owned two buildings on the shore of the lake which were not utilized and these furnished most of the lumber required. Carpenters, masons, and painters were sent to Chesuncook and worked until the new church was dedicated.
It will seat 200 persons in the cain-seated pews. It is plastered, has hardwood floors, and is heated by a furnace. The building also has a wardrobe room, library and a basement which will be fitted up as a kitchen and dining room. A feature which few churches have is a room to hold a moving-picture machine, which will probably be installed.
The church and property is a gift to the community by the paper company. It has been turned over to the Congregational organization of Maine which will eventually provide a pastor. At present services are held every two weeks by the minister of the Greenville church.
And so the new church will hold a happy gathering on Christmas and there will be no reference to soulless corporations.

(1923 article in the Globe; writer unknown)

07/02/2023
1923: constructing the church steeple in Chesuncook Village; built by GNP Co. for a booming logging community; celebrati...
06/18/2023

1923: constructing the church steeple in Chesuncook Village; built by GNP Co. for a booming logging community; celebrating its 100 year history throughout the summer of 2023. 10AM church services Sundays in the summer starting with Rev. Kathleen Fitzgibbons at the pulpit on July 2 & July 16, and professional musician, George Wiese leading (and performing) worship on July 9. 'Come & See'.

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Chesuncook Village Church

“It was in 1922 that a group of village women decided the time had come for a “real” church. The suggestion was presented to Great Northern and paper company officials approved. The dedicatory service was held on Sunday, Oct. 28, 1923. Thereafter, ministers and theological students were sent to the village each summer by the Congregational Christian Conference of Maine (now the United Church of Christ) to conduct services and social activities. The Catholic church at Greenville would occasionally provide a priest.

“As long as the state felt it should provide education, the church felt it should do no less,” (Robert)Mayhew explained. He served as village pastor during the summers of 1936 and 1937. Three years before Mayhew’s first summer here the old village schoolhouse was declared unfit for occupancy and Great Northern gave the state permission to use the church as a school building. It served in that capacity until 1943 when a school was no longer needed.”

The church fell into disrepair and was not used until the 1970’s when a group came together to restore the aging church. At the time it was owned by Great Northern paper Co. Fundraising began and many (including Maurice Anderson, Mr. Mayhew, Robert Simon, Oscar Gagnon, Tony Bartley, & Bernice Edwards) were involved in fundraising to make the restoration work happen. From the early 1980’s to the late 1990’s ministers and their families came to the village for a week of relaxing, light work about the church and parsonage, and to lead a Sunday service of worship. The only way into the village during those years was by boat so rides were arranged for the visiting pastors to come by boat into the village.Many ministers and lay leaders fondly remember and cherish memories of their time at The Village.

Over the years many volunteers have worked at keeping the church and parsonage buildings in good repair, but weather and remoteness and lack of funds have taken a toll on the buildings. In 2014 the State of Maine deeded the church building to the Union Church in Greenville. (the land remains under a lease from the State). Fundraising continues in 2021. A very generous donation given to the project recently will allow for renovations to the parsonage buildings so that visiting clergy will have a comfortable place to stay. More funds are needed to continue the renovations to the church. The porch needs to be replaced soon.