All Soul's Chapel
S of Mechanic Falls on ME 26 at Poland Spring, Mechanic Falls, MEA church as part of a hotel resort is not a common thing although several were to be found throughout the country at the beginning of the 20th century. However, an edifice as substantial as All Soul's Chapel and designed in a restrained Gothic Revival style was rare indeed in such a setting.
The first impulse toward public religious observances at the huge and highly fashionable Poland Spring House began among the employees in 1885 under the leadership of a Mr. Julius Gassauer. At first, services were held outdoors but occasional inclement weather resulted in the inauguration of a "chapel fund" to provide a suitable shelter. Some early meetings were held in the hotel dining room and guests of the hotel began to attend, who also contributed to the fund. Money-raising efforts continued for several years until approximately $15,000 had been raised. The Ricker family, proprietors of the Inn, took great interest in the project and donated a site for the chapel on the highest point of land on the hotel property.
The ground was broken in September of 1910 and contributions continued to swell the fund. G. Henri Desmond, a prominent Boston architect was retained to design the structure. Among other Maine commissions executed by Desmond were the expansion and remodeling of the Maine State House in Augusta, the design of the Fidelity Trust Company, Portland's first "skyscraper", and the Portland Theater, all in 1910. In 1918 he drew the plans for Portland High School.
In addition to contributions to the fund, many special gifts were received including the beautiful memorial window behind the altar, the pulpit, lectern, baptismal font, and the communion service. Maine granite was employed throughout with quartered oak of finest quality for the vaulting, doors and other interior woodwork. The floor was of an inlaid mosaic executed by Italian craftsmen.
The chapel was formally opened on September 1, 1912 and the following year a peal of four bells was installed in the tower.
Both Catholic and Protestant services were held during the summer months from 1912 until the closing of the hotel in the 1960s. During that period and after, the chapel was much in demand for summer weddings. Now owned by the Poland Spring Preservation Society, it is to be restored and maintained as a reminder of the great days of Maine's premier summer resort complex.
Local significance of the building:
The first impulse toward public religious observances at the huge and highly fashionable Poland Spring House began among the employees in 1885 under the leadership of a Mr. Julius Gassauer. At first, services were held outdoors but occasional inclement weather resulted in the inauguration of a "chapel fund" to provide a suitable shelter. Some early meetings were held in the hotel dining room and guests of the hotel began to attend, who also contributed to the fund. Money-raising efforts continued for several years until approximately $15,000 had been raised. The Ricker family, proprietors of the Inn, took great interest in the project and donated a site for the chapel on the highest point of land on the hotel property.
The ground was broken in September of 1910 and contributions continued to swell the fund. G. Henri Desmond, a prominent Boston architect was retained to design the structure. Among other Maine commissions executed by Desmond were the expansion and remodeling of the Maine State House in Augusta, the design of the Fidelity Trust Company, Portland's first "skyscraper", and the Portland Theater, all in 1910. In 1918 he drew the plans for Portland High School.
In addition to contributions to the fund, many special gifts were received including the beautiful memorial window behind the altar, the pulpit, lectern, baptismal font, and the communion service. Maine granite was employed throughout with quartered oak of finest quality for the vaulting, doors and other interior woodwork. The floor was of an inlaid mosaic executed by Italian craftsmen.
The chapel was formally opened on September 1, 1912 and the following year a peal of four bells was installed in the tower.
Both Catholic and Protestant services were held during the summer months from 1912 until the closing of the hotel in the 1960s. During that period and after, the chapel was much in demand for summer weddings. Now owned by the Poland Spring Preservation Society, it is to be restored and maintained as a reminder of the great days of Maine's premier summer resort complex.
Architecture; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Maine is known for its delicious blueberries: Maine is one of the largest producers of blueberries in the United States and is known for its wild blueberries, which are smaller and sweeter than cultivated blueberries.
About Androscoggin County
Androscoggin County Timeline
Androscoggin County, located in the state of Maine, has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The area was historically inhabited by the Abenaki Native American tribe who utilized the Androscoggin River, which runs through the county, for transportation, fishing, and trade. European settlers arrived in the early 17th century, with the first permanent settlement established in the 1630s.
The region saw significant growth during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. The Androscoggin River played a crucial role in the development of textile mills, shoe factories, and paper mills, transforming the area into a major industrial center. Communities like Lewiston and Auburn became thriving manufacturing hubs, attracting a large immigrant population, particularly French-Canadians and Irish immigrants, who came to work in the mills.
The county faced challenges during the Great Depression in the 1930s, with the closure of many mills and factories leading to high unemployment rates. However, Androscoggin County remained resilient and diversified its economy by expanding into other industries like healthcare and higher education. The establishment of institutions like Bates College and hospitals helped to stabilize the region economically and provide new opportunities for its residents.
In recent years, Androscoggin County has experienced revitalization efforts focused on preserving its history and promoting tourism. The area boasts a wealth of historical landmarks, including the Bates Mill complex and various museums, which attract visitors interested in learning about its industrial past. Additionally, the county's natural beauty, with its rivers, parks, and lakes, has made it a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities. Overall, Androscoggin County's history is characterized by industrial growth, cultural diversity, and the ability to adapt to changing economic circumstances.
The region saw significant growth during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century. The Androscoggin River played a crucial role in the development of textile mills, shoe factories, and paper mills, transforming the area into a major industrial center. Communities like Lewiston and Auburn became thriving manufacturing hubs, attracting a large immigrant population, particularly French-Canadians and Irish immigrants, who came to work in the mills.
The county faced challenges during the Great Depression in the 1930s, with the closure of many mills and factories leading to high unemployment rates. However, Androscoggin County remained resilient and diversified its economy by expanding into other industries like healthcare and higher education. The establishment of institutions like Bates College and hospitals helped to stabilize the region economically and provide new opportunities for its residents.
In recent years, Androscoggin County has experienced revitalization efforts focused on preserving its history and promoting tourism. The area boasts a wealth of historical landmarks, including the Bates Mill complex and various museums, which attract visitors interested in learning about its industrial past. Additionally, the county's natural beauty, with its rivers, parks, and lakes, has made it a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities. Overall, Androscoggin County's history is characterized by industrial growth, cultural diversity, and the ability to adapt to changing economic circumstances.
Androscoggin County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Androscoggin County, Maine.
- 1854 - Androscoggin County is established by the Maine Legislature on March 18
- 1873 - The county seat is moved from Auburn to Lewiston
- 1890 - Bates College is founded in Lewiston
- 19th century - Mills along the Androscoggin River drive the local economy
- 1930s - The textile industry in the county starts to decline
- Late 20th century - Lewiston and Auburn experience a period of economic restructuring
- 2000s - The county focuses on diversifying its economy and promoting tourism