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They raised the building themselves on an acre of land donated by Jonathan
Mitchell for the church and burial ground. It was a simple building, the
seats being made of rough two-inch planks with spruce legs. However, two
years later the church was divided into pews or square boxes that had very
high sides with doors fastened with "buttons." In order to meet financial
obligations, the pews were appraised and sold to members.
The Meeting House has been renovated several times, that we know about, major
changes being in 1834 and 1895. At the earlier date a belfry was added and
a vane that cost $40. In 1895 or '96 the present chandelier (purchased second
hand) was installed. It has now been restored to its original beauty and
electrified--far safer than when it used kerosene, and is certainly the focal
point of the interior. The organ in use now was built before 1890 and donated
in 1922 by Ida Brown.
In 1935 the South meeting House was incorporated as the Spurwink Congregational
Church, ending its affiliation with the North Church (First Congregational
in South Portland) after 133 years. For many years it had a very active
membership and its own minister. When in 1947 it could no longer support
itself, a special law was passed and the property was turned over to the
Town of Cape Elizabeth.
Spurwink church is the oldest public building in Cape Elizabeth and has been
named to the National Registry of Historic Places. The architecture, a blend
of Federal, Gothic and Greek Revival, was frequently used in the early 19th
century.
The church sits on a hill above the Spurwink River, upriver from where the
first settlers built their homes. The handsome steeple and old weathervane
continue to be a landmark to residents and visitors while the church's historic
character is enhanced by the beauty of the salt marshes it overlooks. Because
of it historical and architectural charm, the Meeting house is still used
by townspeople for weddings, christenings, funerals and other special events.
The church may be reserved by calling Spurwink Church Greeter, Janet Hannigan,
at 207-799-4197.
Directions to
The Spurwink Church
533 Spurwink Avenue Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Directions from the Maine Turnpike
· Interstate 95 (Maine Turnpike) take Exit 45 (formerly Exit 7) in South
Portland (Maine Mall exit)
· Proceed straight through the tollbooth 1.5 miles to Route 1 (straight
ahead is Merry Manor Inn and Governor's Restaurant)
· Turn right onto Route 1 for 3/4 of a mile
· Take left at the traffic light (just beyond Portland Volvo) onto Pleasant
Hill Road
· Continue to the end of Pleasant Hill Road (approximately 5 miles)
to Spurwink Road
· Turn left onto Route 77 (Spurwink Road)
· Approximately 2 miles from the left turn onto Route 77 cross the Spurwink
River into Cape Elizabeth. Moving up the hill, the Welcome sign is on the
right, the Riverside Cemetery to the left.
· On the left, just beyond the Riverside Cemetery is the Spurwink Church.
The church is situated on a sharp corner.
Directions from the Casco Bay Bridge, South Portland
· Proceed off the bridge onto Broadway and follow the signs to Cape
Elizabeth Route 77 South (stay in the right lane)
· Take a right at first light, Ocean Street (at Pizza Joint and Mahoney
Jr. High School)
· Proceed on Ocean Street (Route 77 South) into Cape Elizabeth to the
third light at Spurwink Avenue
· Take a right onto Spurwink Avenue and proceed to the end (2.4 miles)
· The Spurwink Church is situated on the right side adjacent to the
Riverside Memorial Cemetery.
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