RAYMOND – The historic East Raymond Chapel will open for its summer worship season at an 8:30 a.m. service on Sunday, June 8. The chapel will remain open until Sept. 7 for 8:30 a.m. Sunday services.

The Rev. Joyce A. Long is pastor of the church at 394 Webbs Mills Road.

In 1884 at East Raymond, nine women and five men met to form a benevolent society, which was variously referred to as the “Ladies Benevolent Society” or “Ladies Sewing Circle.” Within three years membership had grown to 40 men and women.

Records of the society show that, at a meeting held Dec. 22, 1887, it was voted that the funds of the society (collected by dues) be used for building a church, chapel or vestry at East Raymond.

On Sept. 6, 1888, the society’s minutes report “a goodly number present – decided to build a chapel to consist of two rooms built on one floor.

During the following year, members contributed time and material for grading the lot obtained from Orrin and Henry Lane and Lester Jordan on the present Route 85 site. Interested citizens also contributed to building the chapel.

In August of 1889, “the usual exercises of a ‘circle afternoon’ were varied by a visit to the new chapel to see how it was progressing and give our advice, if any was needed.” The East Raymond Chapel was completed in 1890.

In July of that year the Ladies Benevolent Society voted to become responsible for all debts incurred in furnishing the inside of the chapel.

The East Raymond Chapel was rededicated on its 100th anniversary year Aug. 12, 1990.