NORWAY — The Genesis story of Christ Church begins in 1895 when a small group of residents with connections to or inclinations toward Episcopal practice began meeting informally in private homes.

A letter was written to Bishop Neely by Mrs. William K. Bickford to make him aware of their presence and their interest in establishing a more formal connection. The Bishop responded by sending clergy to meet with the group and provide a service of Baptism and Communion. As a result, the group of like-minded worshipers continued to grow.

For anyone unfamiliar with the term “episcopal”, it refers to polity, or form of governance. In The Episcopal Church, the local congregation, led by a priest, is part of a larger diocese, headed by a bishop.

In the early summer of 1896, Bishop H.A. Neely, Episcopal Diocese of Maine, sent Rev. Marcus Carroll to lead the fledgling mission in Norway. At that time, services were held in Ryerson Hall or the GAR Hall.

Reverend Carroll, a recent seminary graduate, was described by Bishop Neely as, “a very intelligent, well-educated man, and enthusiastic.” He was also an accomplished musician and composer. In 1928 he would compose the music for the well-known patriotic anthem, “America The Beautiful”. Later, by request of his ten-year-old niece, Betty Bickford/Cullinan, he wrote the music and lyrics to the song “Pennesseewaaasee” in 1931.

The year 1897 was a busy one. The lot on the corner of Paris and Green Street was purchased for $400 and, through the contacts of Rev. Carroll, the church building was designed. The congregation continued to grow during this period. Construction was completed in December and the church was consecrated in January of 1898. In August of that year, the first wedding performed in the new church was between Rev. Carroll and Octavia Bickford.

Rev. Marcus Carroll and his wife departed for a new position later in August of that same year. They returned to the area, from time to time, to visit friends and relatives, and sometimes Fr. Carroll would lead a summer service.

With this loss of leadership, church activity went into decline, and occasional services were led by visiting clergy. Regular services began again in 1925 with the appointment of Rev. Arthur Langlois, and again attendance increased. At this time, a wood/coal furnace was installed under the church.

In 1931 and 1932 there is no record of services being held, but they were resumed in 1933 by a Lay Reader.

This on again, off again pattern continued until 1939 when regular services resumed through the summer of 1943. Once again, a vacant pulpit resulted in a greatly reduced activity level.

Things picked up in 1946 when a priest was assigned. During this period, the building was raised so that a full cellar could be dug and a concrete block foundation constructed underneath. Attendance was steady and the activity level was high with fund-raising, suppers, church fairs, and a very energetic Women’s Guild.

From that time to the present, a number of priests served up to several years, always maintaining or adding to the enthusiasm and momentum of the parish. Many residents of the area still remember:

Rev. Harold Hopkins, Sr., Rev. Cn. Samuel Henderson, III, Rev. George Pruitt, Jr., Rev. Robert Barnes, Rev. Ann Stanley.
Other events of note:
– In 1962, the Canadian National Railroad donated a bell from a retired locomotive for the steeple.
– The home on Green St., across from the church, was purchased for a Rectory in 1959.
– In August of 1974, Christ Church was able to meet the requirements to change its status from “mission congregation” to “parish.”
– In May of 1978, ground-breaking for the parish house was held.
– On October 14, 1979, the Covenant of cooperation between Christ Church and St. Catherine of Sienna was consecrated.
– Christ Church and its parishioners continue to contribute to and participate in the life of their community.
– At this time, Christ Church is fortunate to be under the guidance of The Rev. Canon Nancy Moore, now in her eighth year as priest-in-charge.

This year marks the 125th anniversary of Christ Church, Norway, ME as a congregation in the Episcopal Diocese of Maine. This occasion will be celebrated at the June 5 service at 10:15 with a visit from the Right Rev. Thomas James Brown, 10th Bishop of Maine.

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