Popham Chapel History
Historic Popham Chapel is over 120 years old and sits on beautiful Atkins Bay at the mouth of the mighty Kennebec River in the quaint Popham Village of Phippsburg, Maine.
The Popham Chapel was built between 1893 and 1896 with contributions from year-round and summer residents on land donated by Peleg O. Vickery. Work began in late 1893 and continued for the next three years as weather and funds allowed. On October 8th, 1896 the Popham Chapel was dedicated solely to the Worship of God and designated Non-Denominational.
During the Great Depression and World War II, the chapel fell into a state of disrepair. However, the spirit and faith of the early founders was renewed and the people of Popham Village, led by Ernest Oliver and Fred Spinney took up the task of restoring the Chapel. Many years of hard work and determination went into the restoration project until once again the Popham Chapel was declared "one of the neatest houses of worship in the area".
In 1988 Jane Stevens and Charlie Congdon spearheaded a united community effort and successful venture by year-round and summer residents to purchase the old Pinderosa Campground which included the building which is now the Popham Chapel House. The property was purchased for $325,000.00 and the mortgage was retired in 1993.
Much of the credit for the restoration and the upkeep and maintenance of the Chapel and Chapel House over the years is due to the Ladies of Popham Circle. Organized in 1941, the "Circle" continues to work long and hard to this day raising funds for the Chapel, the Chapel House, and many ministry projects, community outreach, and other charities throughout the Mid-Coast area. For more information on The Popham Circle please visit our Contact page to request more info and the Upcoming Events page to view a list of current and upcoming Circle events.
The Popham Chapel was built between 1893 and 1896 with contributions from year-round and summer residents on land donated by Peleg O. Vickery. Work began in late 1893 and continued for the next three years as weather and funds allowed. On October 8th, 1896 the Popham Chapel was dedicated solely to the Worship of God and designated Non-Denominational.
During the Great Depression and World War II, the chapel fell into a state of disrepair. However, the spirit and faith of the early founders was renewed and the people of Popham Village, led by Ernest Oliver and Fred Spinney took up the task of restoring the Chapel. Many years of hard work and determination went into the restoration project until once again the Popham Chapel was declared "one of the neatest houses of worship in the area".
In 1988 Jane Stevens and Charlie Congdon spearheaded a united community effort and successful venture by year-round and summer residents to purchase the old Pinderosa Campground which included the building which is now the Popham Chapel House. The property was purchased for $325,000.00 and the mortgage was retired in 1993.
Much of the credit for the restoration and the upkeep and maintenance of the Chapel and Chapel House over the years is due to the Ladies of Popham Circle. Organized in 1941, the "Circle" continues to work long and hard to this day raising funds for the Chapel, the Chapel House, and many ministry projects, community outreach, and other charities throughout the Mid-Coast area. For more information on The Popham Circle please visit our Contact page to request more info and the Upcoming Events page to view a list of current and upcoming Circle events.