St. Stephen the Martyr Episcopal Church Waterboro Center, Maine

A History of The Mission of St. Stephen the Martyr

The official church history began in 1938 when the cornerstone was laid on land originally owned by Alice L. Landers and was purchased by the widow of The Rev. George A. McLucas. It was given to the diocese of Maine for the purpose of building a summer chapel or a mission church.

Before the land was purchased, a community Sunday school for the children of the Waterboro was started when Mrs. Ernest G. Knights, the mother of Helen Knights Brock, who now lives in Virginia, but still worships at St. Stephens in Waterboro during the summers, was urged to do something about Helen’s religious education. The closest churches were too far for most of the Waterboro children to attend, so Mrs. Knights spoke to the Rev. George A McLucas and asked if he could do something about starting a Sunday school in Waterboro. Soon with the help of The Rev. McLucas and the blessings of the North Waterboro Community Baptist Church, the McLucas family approached The Rev. A. S. Winslow of Trinity Church in Saco about starting a Sunday School in Waterboro. When he asked about the number of children that would be attending and was told that there would be about twenty, he said, “that is far too many to be overlooked”. The first Sunday School was started on January 9, 1932 at the McLucas’ home. It was called “The Community Sunday School”. Later that year it was moved to the Waterboro Townhouse. (Now the Town Hall). Mr. Knights urged his wife, Elizabeth, to approach the town about the Caroline Leonard Fund, which was money left to the town for Schools and Churches of Waterboro Center, in her memory. Aid to build was received through that fund. Every Sunday at 2:30 about 35 people, adults and children attended Sunday school, followed by Evening Prayer and a Sermon. The Rev. Winslow was given $3.00 a Sunday to come to Waterboro, plus car upkeep.

After The Rev. Winslow left Trinity, Saco, The Rev. Dr. V. L. Dowdell, who succeeded The Rev. Winslow, took over the responsibility of coming to Waterboro to conduct the Sunday School. It had always been his dream to design and build a church. In 1938, with a gift of land originally owned by Alice L. Landers and purchased by the widow of  The. Rev. George A. McLucas was given to the diocese of Maine for the purpose of building a mission church.

The Rev. Dr. V. L. Dowdell and some friends designed the chapel, which is the Mission Church of St. Stephen, the Martyr. The official church history began in 1938 when the cornerstone was laid. He had many influential friends—so with their financial help and many donations, the present structure was built. The materials chosen were to be inexpensive, but lasting, such as the siding on the outside. Upon completion the church was completely paid for and debt free.

The Rt. Rev. Benjamin Brewster, the Bishop of Maine, officiated at the consecration on August 2, 1940. In the words of Bertha  McLucas Smith, “ It was an example of great faith to undertake such a large project in such a small community”.

Smith Hall was added in 1955, and the following year the upstairs rooms were completed. Later the cobblestone walk was replaced by the flagstone walk which we use today.

Our bell, which at one time beckoned the children to class at the Hollis Elementary School, was purchased and given to St. Stephen’s by Bertha Smith. It was given a proper housing in 1995 with the help and encouragement of our vicar The Rev. Janice M. Schuyler. It calls us together whenever we gather for worship.

In 2005 the kitchen was refurbished under the supervision of a committee, fondly dubbed “The Kitchen Cabinet”, and the help of many volunteers.