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Maine Savings FCU invites the public to celebrate the completed restoration of the former Hampden Congregational Church with an open house on Tuesday, September 15 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm at 101 Main Road North in Hampden.
Maine Savings purchased the property in August 2023 after services at the church concluded, with a vision of restoring the historic building and returning it to the community. That vision is now a reality. The restoration has brought the sanctuary back to its former glory, and the space will serve as a community center available for local gatherings, events, and programs.
“This building has been a gathering place for generations of Hampden families, including my own,” said Vanessa Madore, President & CEO of Maine Savings FCU. “Seeing the sanctuary restored and knowing it will once again be filled with neighbors and shared experiences is deeply meaningful. We are proud to welcome the community back through these doors.”
The open house will give visitors a chance to tour the restored sanctuary, learn about the restoration process, and hear more about how the community center can be used in the years ahead.
“Our goal from day one was to honor the character of this building while making sure it can serve the community for another century,” said Bill Pelkey, Senior Vice President of Facilities at Maine Savings FCU, who oversaw the project. “So much care went into preserving the details that make this place special. We can’t wait for people to walk in and see it for themselves.”
Work continues on the parsonage included in the original purchase, which will provide additional space for future professional needs. The parsonage will not be open to visitors while renovations are underway, and the open house will be centered in the restored sanctuary.
The property also remains home to the Hampden Food Cupboard, which received a full renovation of its own as part of the project and has continued its operations there throughout the work. Maine Savings supports the Food Cupboard directly and through its participation in Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger.