CANTON – The second in a series of fund-raisers to repair and renovate Bradbury Memorial Chapel is set for 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Janet Davis, one of the five trustees who took over the management of the nearly century-old wood-framed church this summer, said funds raised from Sunday’s program will go toward repairing the magnificent stained glass windows.

The Rev. Scott Verrill, pastor of the Canton Community Church of God, plans a lecture on “Stained Glass, Broken People.” An offering will be taken to help pay for window repairs.

He said his talk points out that many people need to be fixed, just like the windows. And a lot of people are stained by hard experiences. “Although their experiences may be difficult, there is beauty there, just like the windows,” he said. “People can be strong and survive.”

The largest of the 10 stained glass windows was vandalized a few years ago when rocks were thrown through it. Since then, Plexiglas covers all the windows in an effort to prevent further damage. Most of the windows were dedicated to some of Canton Point’s early families.

Last month, Maine humorist Joe Perham spoke on Abraham Lincoln’s ties to the Universalist Church.

Regular church services haven’t been held in the old chapel for more than 60 years, although special events occasionally take place there.

Davis is in the process of getting estimates for the window repairs. The trustees are also seeking National Register of Historic Places designation and nonprofit status. As funds allow, several other projects are planned to bring the chapel back to its original condition. These include roof repairs, exterior walls shingling and work on the tower bell.

Money for building Bradbury Memorial Chapel was given by Albion Bradbury, a prominent farmer in the town in the 19th century. The chapel is the last remaining historic building in the Canton Point section of town.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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