SEARSPORT — A once in a lifetime exhibition will opened May 23, at the old steepled church across the street from Bowditch Cemetery on Route 1 in Searsport. Living history performances, story telling from the golden age of sail, a photographic collage of 19th century Searsport, letters from dear ones at home and at sea, period music and refreshments, the mystery of the American opalescent stained glass windows revealed, more than 50 exhibits and much more will be offered. The event is open to the public with free admission.
Before there was a Searsport, and the state of Maine, seafaring and shipbuilding people built a church on a hill overlooking the harbor that would become the center of their lives. In the century that followed, nearly 100 families of sea captains worshiped there, celebrating and grieving the passages of life. Together these seamen commanded more than 300 ships that sailed the world. Many left their loved ones, never to return.
Visitors will travel back in time with Capt. Benjamin Franklin Pendleton to meet many of the people who gave their lives to God and each other, the families keeping homesteads and hearts enduring; and the fathers, husbands and sons who bravely went to sea, often bringing their wives and children with them.
Despite wars, economic doldrums, the loss of children to disease, hardships of work and weather, and the uncertain perils of the sea, these people prospered a small Maine coast town whose name was known around the world.
Produced by Safe Harbor Church and the Second Congregational Church Society, five events are planned 1-4 p.m. Saturdays, June 13 and 20, July 11 and 18, with the capstone 200th Anniversary Commemorative Service 10 a.m.-noon Sunday, Aug. 16. The Program of Events may be viewed at ccsafeharbor.com/celebration.