We are pleased to announce we made progress last winter on repairs and restorations to the doors and some of our beautiful windows. This work has been made possible with these generous gifts: Two façade windows from the Warren Boenke memorial donations; two front doors - one from Mr. Therrien's gift and one from Evelyn Potter's quilt raffle proceeds; the Huntoon window with Mrs. Donna Page’s donation; three additional windows including the Haines, Pierce and Notables with Susan Wagner memorial gifts. There is still much work left to do at UMH so your donations are welcome and very gratefully received.
Plans are underway for summer activities and the UMH building will be utilized in various ways. For one, there will be a wedding later this month. On June 21st Readfield grammar school alumni (pre- 1956) will be holding a reunion and commencement re-enactment at UMH. Our UMH board and members are planning for Readfield Heritage Days, a benefit concert, lawn sale, and a hooked rug show for later this summer. Stay tuned for details on this and more.
In the meantime we are sprucing up and getting ready for lots of visitors who have interest in touring UMH. Are you one? If so, please do contact us to make an appointment!
National Register of Historic Places
A national treasure built in 1827 to accommodate a union of different faiths
A rare example of Trompe l'oeil Art
The Trompe l'oeil Art found inside the Readfield Union Meeting House may be the best example in this country.
Choir Loft
One can picture the choir members enfolded in this artfully designed space.
View from the Pulpit
The black walnut and butternut pews, stained glass windows, kerosene chandelier, wall sconces, painted ceiling and lectern are all original. The original Bible also survives.
The Pulpit
The pulpit and matching chairs in Greek Revival style. This view also shows an example of trompe l'oeil murals that simulate columns and shelves.
Stenciled Glass Windows
Only one other church in Maine has rare stenciled glass windows. These in Readfield are more colorful and more striking in design.
Medallions
An example of the medallions that decorate the interior of the Union Meeting House
Directions to Union Meeting House, Church Road, Readfield, Maine
UMH is easy to find from all directions. It is located on Church Road a few hundred feet north of the junction of Route 17 and 41.
