CANTON POINT – New life will soon be breathed into the nearly century-old Bradbury Memorial Chapel.

And with it will come special performances, a likely listing on the National Register of Historic Places, and a place for gatherings and cultural offerings, and most of all, preservation of a part of Canton Point’s history.

The Oxford County Probate Court last month turned over the wood-frame chapel to five trustees with roots in the community who are now looking for funds to repair the roof, shingling, one of the magnificent stained glass windows, the tower bell and a variety of smaller items.

To raise the funds, a series of special performances are being planned.

The first, set for Sept. 7, will feature Maine humorist Joe Perham who will not only provide his dry sense of humor, but as a layman preacher, speak about Abraham Lincoln’s ties with the Universalist Church, said Janet Davis, Canton Historical Society president and one of the five new chapel trustees.

Services haven’t been regularly held since the 1940s, although occasionally special events such as weddings and funerals take place in the 136-seat, remarkably well preserved chapel.

Two Beckwith wood stoves, one at the front, the second at the back, once provided the only heat for parishioners. Although they still work, the chimneys need lining before they can be used. The original issue kerosene sconces and chandelier also work. One of the ornate, etched glass globes is missing, prompting Davis to take on a worldwide search for a replacement. So far, no luck, but she will keep looking.

A circa-1906 Crown reed pump organ, complete with beige and red tapestry-covered pedals, works well and sounds good. The ceilings, walls and wainscoting are tin, with flowers painted on parts of them.

There are two large and eight smaller brightly colored stained glass windows. One at the rear of the pulpit is dedicated to the man who made the chapel possible: Albion E. Bradbury. It was his money, in 1908, that paid for building the simple wooden church. Bradbury was a prominent farmer, born in 1822 in Byron, who moved to Canton Point with his family at age 6. In 1908, the total cost of constructing the church, along with all the furnishings, came in at about $2,000, less than it will cost to repair the second large stained glass window on the front of the chapel.

Vandals threw several rocks through it about a dozen years ago. Now, Plexiglas covers all 10 windows.

The remaining eight colorful windows are dedicated to some of the chapel’s early families – McCollister, Bennett, Hersey, Howard, Hines, Ludden, Weld, Hines, Holland and Treat.

Donations of time, talent or dollars are needed. To help out phone Davis at 597-2005 or Conant at 597-2005.


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