SUMNER — Preparations are underway for the beginning of the 2016 summer church season at the West Sumner Universalist Society.

The church is located on Main Street, Route 219, a half mile from Pleasant Pond at the top of the hill.

Founded more than 100 years ago, the church has a long, proud history as both a religious institution and meeting and gathering place for reunions, birthdays and anniversary celebrations.

The first service will be conducted by Marilyn Hammond on Sunday, July 10. Special services will include a christening on July 17 conducted by the Rev. Scott Jones.

The fifth annual Whatever Sale will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. This year’s event is the same as last year’s, featuring a ticket auction with a drawing at 1:30 p.m. The church would appreciate any donations for the ticket auction, especially themed baskets in memory of loved ones. As always, the food and bake sale, cutlery sales and a hearty lunch will be available. Anyone wishing to cook their favorite recipe will be welcomed.

This year’s fundraising efforts will focus on repairs to the crumbling foundation of the church’s horse shed, which is in danger of collapse. The horse shed is a separate structure as old as the church building itself, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is believed that this may be the only old church in Maine that still has an existing horse shed.

All services begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday and are followed by a coffee hour. Beth Chaffee will be the organist. This season’s scheduled speakers are:

• July 10: Marilyn Hammond;

• July 17: The Rev. Scott Jones, who will also preside over a christening;

• July 24: Cindy Reedy;

• July 31: Rodney Abbott;

• Aug. 7: Joan Beal;

• Aug. 14: Silver Moore Leaman;

• Aug. 21: The Rev. Bernice Martin; and

• Aug. 28: The Rev. Fayre Stevenson.