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2 hours ago

Portland church gets grant to preserve historic towers

Photo / Courtesy State Street Church, United Church of Christ State Street Church, United Church of Christ in Portland, located at 159 State St., was built in 1851 by Boston architect William Washburn.  After lightning struck the wooden spire and tower, John Calvin Stevens designed the new red freestone facade. It was added in 1892-93.
By Alexis Wells

A historic church in Portland's West End neighborhood has been awarded a $420,000 matching grant to repair and restore the facade and three towers that can be seen from Munjoy Hill on a clear day. 

State Street Church, United Church of Christ in Portland, located at 159 State St., was built in 1851 by Boston architect William Washburn. After lightning struck the wooden spire and tower, John Calvin Stevens designed the new red freestone facade. It was added in 1892-93.

The 130-year-old towers, though structurally sound, require timely restoration to prevent deterioration. A recent architectural assessment confirmed that proactive preservation is essential.

The towers will be repaired and restored. The major parts of the project include interior structural work, facade masonry repair, stained-glass window work in the tower, and bell support repair, which will allow the church to ring the tower bell for the first time in over 20 years. 

“State Street’s towers are an iconic part of Portland,” said Rev. Bryan S. Breault, pastor of State Street Church. “They remind us that our mission isn’t only about history — it’s about the future of a community that still depends on this place for hope, help and connection."

The project will help preserve the church while allowing it to continue serving the community. The building has been a center for social justice missions and houses several nonprofits, a clothing ministry and a winter family shelter.

About the funding

The grant was provided by the National Fund of Sacred Places, a collaboration between the Partners for Sacred Places and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

This partnership will provide both financial and technical support to help safeguard the historic church. State Street is one of just 30 congregations nationwide selected for the 2025 program.

Because the grant requires matching funds, State Street Church is inviting the greater Portland community to join in this effort. Every dollar donated will be doubled.

“This is our moment to give back to a building that has given so much to Portland,” said Breault. “Together, we can ensure that its doors—and its mission — stay open for another century.”

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