"We shape
our buildings;
thereafter they
shape us.”
~Winston Churchill
Importance in the Community
"Churches inspire
all of us, not just
those who attend,
and this is one
of the finest
in the state.”
~ Greg Paxton, Executive Director Maine Preservation
"In historic towns across Maine, the village church
steeple is a highly visible symbol of a community’s
faith, its history, and its identity. For more than two
centuries, the graceful Federal style tower of the First
Parish Church on Main Street has played this role for
Kennebunk. It has helped define the town’s special
character for residents and visitors alike.”
~ Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr. Director, Maine Historic Preservation Commission
“First Parish Church stands today as it
has since we owed allegiance to an
English king, since Maine was
Massachusetts, and since Kennebunk
was Wells. It is truly a part of
our nation’s history, and is both an
anchor to our past and a constant
reminder of our heritage we owe
to those who come after us.”
~ Joe Foster, Retired KHS teacher and long time active member of the community
“Having led architectural tours of the
Kennebunk Historic District for more
than 25 years, I see the First Parish
Church as the single most important
icon of federal architecture in town.
It is a symbol of spiritual
enlightenment and of the ideals of the
new republic.”
~Sandra Armentrout, Historic Preservationist and Former Board Member
Keys to the community
In recent times, the building has continued to serve many unaffiliated community groups including Alcoholics Anonymous, Maine SpeakOut, discussion groups, community theater productions, dance and exercise groups, coffee houses and concerts, Girl Scouts, and a nursery school.