by Debra Walsh
Clifton United Baptist Church
CLIFTON — The only church in Clifton is celebrating its 175th anniversary and the Airline community is invited to join the party.
Founded in 1838, the Clifton United Baptist Church, with it’s lighted bell tower, is located on a corner of the Airline Road near Parks Pond. A regional landmark, it has been a constant reminder of the faithfulness of God’s goodness, said the Rev. John P. Walsh, the church’s pastor.
“For 175 years, the gospel of Jesus Christ has been preached on this little corner of the Airline,” said Walsh. “We’re inviting everyone to join the celebration with music, food and fireworks.”
The celebration, which comes at the end of the anniversary year, is scheduled through Sunday, Sept. 21. The church is mailing invitations to every Clifton household, hoping that all will feel welcome.
Initially, the congregation was called the Freewill Baptist Church in the town known at the time as Jarvis Gore. Its membership roll included names such as DeBeck, Penny, Williams, Rook, Chick and Campbell. At first, the group held “cottage meetings,” but in 1885, the decision was made to construct a church. When completed, the structure’s total cost was $1,614.79, according to a church history.
Additions were built in 1959 and 1993 to add Christian education rooms, a nursery, fellowship hall and a full kitchen. A parsonage was dedicated in 1987.
Today, the church holds weekly worship services and Bible studies. The congregation reaches out to the community through its Clifton Community Food Bank, which serves those in need locally and in the surrounding communities.
Along with the food bank, the clients can browse through the Clothes Closet, which has clean used clothing and household items available at no charge. A free monthly luncheon is served for area senior citizens.
Children’s events are held monthly, in addition to annual vacation Bible schools in the summer.
For almost two centuries, the church has been the spiritual home to generations of Airline residents.
“Over the years, many faces have changed but the people always feel like ‘family,’” said Ruth Williams Perry of Clifton, whose father, R. Leon Williams, was the church treasurer for many years.
Perry, who is the current church treasurer, said the family atmosphere makes studying God’s word and seeking His guidance “easier and pleasant.”
Born next door, Vernon Campbell also comes from a family that was heavily involved in the church, with his father, Guy, and uncle, Leroy, working tirelessly at the church. A retired electrician, Campbell and his wife, Jean, continue their service through their faithful attendance, doing repairs, performing grounds maintenance or working at church suppers.
“We love our church family and have no wish to be anywhere else,” Jean Campbell said.
The anniversary celebration will include a church service at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18. The Rev. Scott Connors of the Ellsworth United Baptist Church will speak. Refreshments will be served.
An evening of music and memories will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19. Several former pastors are scheduled to talk about their tenure in the Clifton church. Musicians from the area also have been invited to perform.
A parking lot party will begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 . Hot dogs, cotton candy and popcorn will be given away. Christian music will be part of the evening. A fireworks show will commence shortly after nightfall.
A worship service at 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, will conclude the celebration’s activities.
The Clifton church is part of the American Baptist Churches of Maine. For information, contact the church at 843-5441.