KINGFIELD – The Kingfield United Methodist Church has been awarded a $3,000 grant from the H. King and Jean Cummings Charitable Fund of the Maine Community Foundation to help fund major reconstruction of the church’s understructure.

“This grant will help our church continue as a safe and welcoming structure for its second century of service to the Kingfield community,” said Freeland Savage, chairman of the church’s board of trustees. “Combined with other grant funds, community donations and congregational fund raising events we can count $13,000 toward our goal of $35,000.”

A bake sale Dec. 20 at Webster Hall beginning at 9 a.m. and similar fund raisers, including church dinners, in coming months will also support the renovation project.

The Kingfield United Methodist Church as a congregation was founded in 1836 as the Methodist Society. The building, constructed in 1895, has served several denominations prior to the 1968 merger of the Evangelical and United Brethren and Methodist denominations. Since that time it has housed the United Methodist Church congregation. The church is a prime supporter of the United Methodist Economic Ministry with service centers in Salem and Solon. The church’s community housing program has resulted in major improvements to more than 75 local homes in recent years. Additionally, the church’s services include traditional worship, Sunday School and an active youth group.

Founded in 1981, the Maine Community Foundation makes grants and provides leadership to strengthen Maine communities. For more information, visit the foundation’s Web site at www.maineccf.org or call too-free 1-877-6800.