Our islands have two historic buildings; the school house and the Baptist Church. It might be of interest to you to know a little history of each and to know that the church is still active and trying to gain support from our island residents.

The Barter's Island Baptist Church was organized May 25, 1867. The church building was actually built in 1875. The charter of first ten members of the church were, John Roberts, Luther Pinkham, William Hodgdon, Mary Greenleaf, Elizabeth Bourget, Ann Pinkham, Hannah Day, Eleanor Barter, Olivia Day and Sarah Emerson.

The church trustees at this time had established, that they were to purchase 1/4 acre for $50 and wished to build a chapel of sufficient capacity to seat 250 persons, and which when was built, should not exceed the cost of $3,000.

The Philbrook Brothers of Lisbon Falls were chosen to build the church.

Church clerks throughout the years have kept records of church members, meetings, activities, and the pastors. These logs have been kept by the church to the present time. According to these records, the church was actively seeking new members, preparing and baptizing many people of the Baptist faith. The church had a youth group, young married couples group, prayer meetings, Bible studies, evangelists coming to speak from other areas, missionary and charitable donations to India and South Africa, Boston, also, with clothing and moneys.

At Christmas, the children performed a Christmas program and every child from the youngest to the oldest, had a small part to memorize and say. Also at Christmas, the church gathered and delivered fruit baskets to the aged and shut-ins, a tradition that has been carried on through to the present, by the hall association.

The early church records were done in pen and ink, with the delicate penmanship of an earlier time, some of the excerpts read: June 13, 1894, met in conference as usual, but as many of the brethren were away on their vessels, only 18 were present. April 10, 1880, church met in conference but only a few present, nearly all the brethren gone on their annual voyages as fishermen.

The Barter's Island Church also sent delegates from its church regularly to neighboring churches in areas such as: Georgetown, Small Point, Montsweag, Boothbay Harbor, Alna, Edgecomb, Damariscotta, Coopers Mills, Nobleboro and state convention in Skowhegan.

The island church was heated until 1952, with wood, that was often generously donated by a member or area resident, at this time the church purchased its first oil heater for a sum of $500. Also in 1952 after being united with the Boothbay Center Church for 63 years, the Barter's Island Church became independent of the center church.

When the island school was closed, the town sold it to the church for $1. The upstairs rear room was made into an apartment for the minister. While Wentworth Shackleton was pastor, he wired and erected the lovely old chandelier, much to everyone's pleasure, in the church.

At present, church membership totals 19. Pastor Leon travels from Saco every week to preach to a small but faithful congregation determined not to let the church die.

On August 31, 1901, the first deed was recorded for a piece of land 50'x75' on top of Kimballtown Hill Road, across the road from the old fire house. The idea of a hall came from the Ladies Sewing Society of the island Baptist Church, when they needed room to accommodate their work. The land was purchased from Eugene Lewis and recorded by lawyer Cyrus Tupper. It was burned some time after 1910. In Dec. 1922, a 10-year lease for $1 a year was given by Grace Orton to the Barter's Island Community Association for 80 sq. ft. of land, the present site. Herbert L. Pinkham was a witness to the signing of the deed.

When John Redmond was teaching at the island school, he instigated hall

materialize because the ceiling wasn't high enough.

The island church was always involved with the community association, working hand-in-hand raising funds and promoting community projects.

In 1975 the building was moved and a new kitchen added to the front. While the kitchen was still being built, fire leveled the whole structure, much to the sadness of the island community.

A permit for a new building was issued 9/13/75.

The present members of the association meet in the "new" hall the first Monday of each month. We welcome any and all islanders. The hall's monthly summer suppers have always been popular. The members of the community cook or donate food toward these. One of our goals is to have a well drilled so we can utilize the hall on a year-round basis.

Some of the activities that take place in the hall are card parties, exercise class, receptions and other group gatherings. A minimal fee is charged.

We hope the community association will not only continue to be a source of help to the needy, donating Christmas and Thanksgiving baskets, to having money-making projects, but a place to gather and share good times.

Please come and contribute to our endeavors. We need your support!