First Parish Church - Most Stunning and Awe-Inspiring Church in Maine

6 Most Stunning and Awe-Inspiring Churches in Maine (2024)

Maine has a large population that belongs to several unique religions, distinctive cultures, and beautiful beliefs. As you will move through the popular cities and towns of Maine, you will come across beautiful structures of religious and sentimental value. Throughout the State of Maine are some spectacular structures of historic churches. These Churches allow individuals to enjoy a unique glimpse of Maine’s religious heritage. You can be a religious person or someone who loves exploring Churches and Cathedrals; Maine will never disappoint you.

6 Most Stunning and Awe-Inspiring Churches in Maine

1. First Parish Church

Organized in 1674 and established in 1825, the First Parish Church is one of the oldest Churches in Maine. It exhibits a perfect example of the Federal period architecture at 425 Congress Street in Portland and is quite an exciting one to check out. First Parish Church is a tall single-story structure, basically rectangular, featuring a projecting three-bay entrance vestibule. The church was built using granite imported from Freeport and had three entrances in round-arch openings. First Parish Church was originally built of wood logs back when Portland was known as Falmouth. Due to the Native American attack, churches’ early history has been slightly interrupted. The church has also survived Portland’s great fire in 1866 and still standing straight in its original form. Though unfortunately, the church is not open to the public except during religious services.

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2. First Congregational Church and Parsonage

Located in Kittery, First Congregational Church and Parsonage is a stunning church to check out in Maine. This historic church was first organized in 1653, built in 1730, and is the oldest church in Maine. Also registered on the National Register of Historic Places, the church building is accompanied by a small 1733 cemetery as well as a parsonage house that was built back in 1729. The church may look small from the outside, but the history it holds is surely grand. Though several changes and recreations have been made with time, the inside of the church’s building still remains the same. Today, anyone can visit First Congregational Church any day of the week and learn about its history. Or visit for a service any Sunday at 8 a.m. or 10 a.m. and soak into the divine spirituality.

First Congregational Church and Parsonage, Maine

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3. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Imposing the beautiful Gothic Revival style architecture, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a must-visit in Portland, Maine. This historic cathedral was built from 1866 to 1869; it is the tallest building in Portland and the third tallest structure in Maine. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception features three steeples, and the tallest of them all soars 204 feet high. It though has gone through several renovations in 1921, 1969, and 2000 but the original splendor of the building is still intact. Locals of Portland and from the neighborhood regularly visit here to pay homage to faith and Virgin Mary. The facility is open for all, whether you are looking for some spiritual time or simply here to learn about the splendid Gothic Revival architecture.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Maine

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4. Union Street Brick Church, Bangor

Located in the heart of downtown Bangor, the Union Street Brick Church is a popular church to visit when in Maine. This landmark church is described as the best-composed and most pleasing church design in Bangor by Deborah Thompson, an architectural historian in Bangor. Standing since the year 1853, the church building and its presence is popular for its true appreciation of the arts. It isn’t common for many churches but this one, in particular, encourages a different form of art, including theater, music, dance, painting, and more. No doubt, it is popularly known as a Church for Bangor’s art and artists. Union Street Brick Church in Bangor regularly organizes open mic night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursdays to support the local artists. The church is open to all, whether you are here for spiritual purposes or enjoying art and architecture.

5. The Abyssinian Meeting House

The Abyssinian Meeting House is the third oldest church in Maine, and you cannot miss checking this out. This historic church was built back from 1828 to 1831 by free African-Americans. The Abyssinian Meeting House is, in fact, the oldest African American church in Maine. It is also one of the very few structures that survived the 1866 Great fire of Portland. Though sometimes later, the Meetinghouse was sold and was used for different purposes, including an antique store, apartment, stable and more. However, soon enough, Portland authorities sized it, and fortunately, in 1998, the former church was preserved by the Historic Society. The Church building for the present time looks quite basic, but from a historic point of view, it definitely needs to be checked out.

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6. Winter Street Center

One of the original two churches in Bath, the Winter Street Center, was built back in 1843. Originally known as Winter Street Congregational Church, the church was built in a fine early example of Gothic Revival architecture by a local builder. The church building is a single-story wood-frame structure. It features a gabled roof topped by a multistage square tower and is exciting in terms of architectural views. Though unfortunately, this historic former Congregational church no longer operates as a church but as an event center. It is definitely a traditional, romantic, and antique wedding venue. Besides personal events, the facility also hosts a range of public events as well. One can also check out its architectural beauty from a distance from the beautiful city park and the library located right across.