Contributed by Penobscot Marine Museum
Description
Grace Chapel in Robbinston is a classic example of a 19th-century rural American church. It was built in 1882 by the Rev. Peter Henry Steenstra. A longtime summer resident of Robbinston, he and several other summer residents decided to build a church in the village for summer services.
Steenstra acquired the land in 1875 from James S. Pike, who lived next door at the Mansion House. The cost of building the church was $1417.55, including $75 for the lot, $992.72 for workers and construction materials, and $349.81 for the furniture.
It has open beams and boards, all clear stained except for a red stripe on the smoothed corner of each beam. The original oil lamps are mounted on swing brackets along each side, and three brass chandeliers hang down from the ceiling. The church was never wired for electricity.
The original woven palm mats still covered the floor in 2013 and the original pump organ still played well. The lectern, originally an architect's adjustable drawing table, stands nearby.
The first service was held in October 1882 with Steenstra presiding. His son, Fredrick Steenstra, was the primary minister for most of the chapel's active years. The last church service was held on August 29, 1993.
In early 2000, the Steenstra family persuaded the Episcopal Church to turn the facility over to the Robbinston Historical Society. In June of that year the church was deconsecrated, and in 2001 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is now a museum.
About This Item
- Title: Episcopal Church, Robbinston, ca. 1915
- Creation Date: circa 1915
- Subject Date: circa 1915
- Location: Robbinston, Washington County, ME
- Media: Glass Negative
- Dimensions: 12.75 cm x 17.75 cm
- Local Code: LB2007.1.114397
- Collection: Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Co.
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Company
- Photographs--Maine
- Postcards--Maine
- Episcopal churches--Maine--Robbinston
- Museums--Maine--Robbinston
- Buildings--Maine--Robbinston
- Robbinston Historical Society (Robbinston, Me.)
- Bell towers--Maine--Robbinston
- Chapels--Maine--Robbinston
People
For more information about this item, contact:
Penobscot Marine MuseumPO Box 498, 5 Church Street, Searsport, ME 04974
(207) 548-2529
Website
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