Wiscasset in Lincoln County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
St. Philip's Episcopal Church - 1823
Wiscasset, Maine
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Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, October 14, 2024
1. St. Philip's Episcopal Church - 1823 marker
The early settlers of Maine were Protestant, Congregationalists and the stricter Presbyterians. All new settlers were expected to attend the local church, whatever denomination it happened to be. Deemed too English during the American Revolution, the Episcopal or Anglican Church gradually made inroads into coastal Maine communities, forming significant parishes in most towns. In 1856, the first Episcopal Bishop of Maine held services in Wiscasset and recognized the need for a new parish.
Reverend Deacon Pelham Williams was appointed priest. The 1823 meeting house on Hodge Street formerly used by the Baptists was purchased and renamed after St. Philip the Deacon. The steeple was added in 1857. The Gothic Revival style rectory was built in 1868.
After the Civil War, numbers declined and the parish priest had to serve three churches. By 1904, the church was unable to support a priest and Henry Van Bergen Nash stepped in. Mr. Nash served the parish as lay reader for 29 years until his death in 1933, a dearly loved and admired leader.
The church retains original faux graining on the woodwork, pews and rood screen.
St. Philip's
this page online
Erected by The Museum in the Streets. (Marker Number 10.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures.
Location. 44° 0.319′ N, 69° 39.996′ W. Marker is in Wiscasset, Maine, in Lincoln County. It is at the intersection of Hodge Street and Hammond Street, on the left when traveling south on Hodge Street. Located across the street from St. Philip's Episcopal Church. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wiscasset ME 04578, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Midcoast Maine. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wiscasset Academy - 1807 (within shouting distance of this marker); Groves-Hodge House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bailey-Tucker House 1803 (about
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, October 14, 2024
2. St. Philip's Episcopal Church - 1823 marker
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, October 14, 2024
3. St. Philip's Episcopal Church
Credits. This page was last revised on October 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 151 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 20, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
