Preserving Waterboro's 1804 Meetinghouse
A living heritage where faith, fellowship, and stewardship safeguard New England's historic past
Support Our Mission
A Sanctuary Rooted in History
The Old Corner Church stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of early American faith and community. Located at the corner of Federal Street and West Road in Waterboro, Maine, this unadorned white meetinghouse has welcomed worship, weddings, and town gatherings for more than two centuries.
Raised by early Baptists in Waterborough and surrounded by farms, horse sheds, and a one-room schoolhouse, the church represents a rare New England story told in timber, granite, and hymn. Inside, creamy-tan walls, mahogany-trimmed doors and windows, gray pews, and a small west-wall platform with pulpit evoke generations of faithful worship. The 1911 pump organ and two magisterial red-velvet chairs remain as silent witnesses to countless services, christenings, and community celebrations.
Today, the Friends of Old Corner Church—neighbors and friends united in preservation—care for this National Register landmark, steward its records and stories, and open it for worship and community events. Every effort honors those who built it, those who maintained it, and those yet to discover its beauty.

Quick Facts
  • Church organized: 1791
  • Meetinghouse built: 1804
  • Greek Revival renovation: 1849
  • National Register listing: June 28, 1988
  • Traditional gallery design with later modifications
Our Journey Through Time
From a covenant among eight believers to a National Register landmark, the Old Corner Church has witnessed Maine's growth and transformation over more than two centuries.
1
1791 – Church Organized
Eight men gathered at the home of Nathaniel Haines, covenanting together to form what would be recognized as a regular Baptist church in Waterborough.
2
1803-1804 – Meetinghouse Built
The congregation voted to build at Waterborough Corner. The traditional meetinghouse featured a gallery on three sides and was erected in 1804, becoming the spiritual heart of the community.
3
1849 – Greek Revival Transformation
The roof was lowered approximately seven feet, galleries removed, floor leveled, and box pews taken out. The renovated building was rededicated in the fashionable Greek Revival style of the era.
4
1863 – Flourishing Community
The church reached 123 members with a Sunday School of 120 students and 10 dedicated teachers, reflecting the vibrant faith community that had taken root.
5
1865 – Expansion and Education
A parsonage was acquired for the minister's family, and the nearby Old Corner School was built, serving children until 1934 and deepening the church's role in community life.
6
Mid-1940s – Transition to Seasonal Worship
Regular weekly services were discontinued, but beloved annual gatherings continued, preserving the tradition of homecoming and remembrance.
7
June 28, 1988 – National Recognition
The Old Corner Church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its architectural integrity and historical significance to the region.
8
2005 – Friends Incorporated
The nonprofit Friends of Old Corner Church was formed, dedicated to preserving the building, opening it for events, and ensuring this piece of heritage endures for future generations.
Our Mission and Impact
Preserve
We maintain the structural integrity of the 1804 meetinghouse through careful restoration, addressing roofing, clapboards, windows, and paint with craftsmanship that honors the original builders.
Interpret
We share the stories of faith, community, and perseverance that shaped this place—through publications, tours, and educational materials that connect past to present.
Welcome
We open the doors for worship services, community gatherings, and quiet reflection, ensuring this sacred space remains accessible to all who seek its peace and beauty.
What Your Support Accomplishes
Every contribution to the Friends of Old Corner Church directly funds the careful stewardship this historic building requires. Unlike many preservation projects, we focus on quality over speed, ensuring repairs are done right and will last for decades to come.
Your donations make possible:
  • Roof, clapboards, windows, and exterior paint—executed with historical accuracy and superior craftsmanship
  • Insurance coverage and utilities that allow us to open for periodic worship and community events
  • Archival preservation of church records, photographs, and historical documents
  • Educational interpretation projects and materials for visitors and researchers
  • Seasonal maintenance, landscaping, and upkeep of the grounds
We are neighbors, returning families, genealogists, and history lovers united by a common purpose: ensuring that the Old Corner Church—with its stories of early Maine Baptists, rural community life, and architectural evolution—remains standing for generations yet to come.
As a 501(c)(3) public charity, the Friends of Old Corner Church operates with transparency and fiscal responsibility. Every dollar is carefully stewarded, and all contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Tax ID (EIN): 11-3758443
Join Us for Fellowship and Tradition
Throughout the year, the Old Corner Church opens its doors for cherished gatherings that bring the community together while supporting our preservation mission.
Ham Dinner
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Join neighbors and friends for a hearty meal and warm fellowship on the church grounds. This beloved tradition brings the community together while raising vital funds for restoration. All are welcome—bring your appetite and your stories!
Proceeds benefit preservation and maintenance.
Annual Worship Service
Held each August
A cherished summer gathering that has continued since the early 1900s. Experience hymns, a message, and reunion with old friends in the historic sanctuary. This tradition keeps the spiritual heartbeat of the Old Corner Church alive.
Date announced on our Facebook page and via email.
Old Home Sunday & Open Houses
Seasonal dates announced
Friends and families return to reconnect with this special place. We also host seasonal open house afternoons when the doors are wide open—step inside, linger among the pews, and feel the history that lives in these walls.
Perfect for visitors, genealogists, and history enthusiasts.
"Historic preservation connects us to our past, grounds us in our present, and inspares future generations."
— Friends of the Old Corner Church
Plan Your Visit
Location and Access
The Old Corner Church stands at the corner of Federal Street and West Road in Waterboro, Maine—the same crossroads where worshippers, farmers, and schoolchildren have gathered for more than two centuries.
Address for mailing donations:
Friends of Old Corner Church
c/o Treasurer
265 Chadbourne Ridge Road
North Waterboro, ME 04061
When We're Open
The church is not staffed daily. We welcome visitors during announced events (see above), or you may request an appointment for tours, research, or quiet reflection by contacting us via email at info@oldcornerchurch.org or through our Facebook page.

Accessibility Note: As a historic building from 1804, accessibility is limited. We are committed to assisting all visitors—please contact us in advance so we can help accommodate your needs.
What to Expect Inside
Historic Sanctuary
Gray pews face a modest west-wall platform with pulpit, preserving the simple dignity of early American worship spaces.
1911 Pump Organ
A working pump organ that still sounds hymns during annual services, connecting today's worshippers with generations past.
Period Details
Mahogany trim, red velvet chairs, and original architectural elements transport visitors to another era of faith and community.
Support Preservation Today
Give Online
Make a secure, tax-deductible donation through the PayPal Giving Fund, which often waives fees for registered charities like ours—meaning more of your gift goes directly to preservation.
Online giving is fast, secure, and allows you to set up recurring donations if you'd like to provide ongoing support throughout the year.
Give by Mail
Prefer to send a check? We gratefully accept donations by mail.
Make checks payable to:
Friends of Old Corner Church
Mail to:
c/o Treasurer
265 Chadbourne Ridge Road
North Waterboro, ME 04061
Please include a note if you'd like your gift directed toward a specific need (roof restoration, archival care, etc.).

Tax Information
The Friends of Old Corner Church is a 501(c)(3) public charity. EIN: 11-3758443
All contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. You will receive a receipt for your records.
220+
Years of History
Preserved for future generations
100%
Volunteer-Led
Every dollar supports preservation
1988
National Register
Recognized historic landmark
Memories of the Neighborhood
A Book Celebrating Our Heritage
Waterborough Old Corner: Memories of the Neighborhood
By Esther L. Smith
Edited by Linda M. Hanscom (2011)
This treasured collection of essays brings to life the world surrounding the Old Corner Church—vivid memories of schooldays at the one-room Old Corner School, the rhythm of seasons on nearby farms, Sunday services in the historic sanctuary, and the tight-knit community that gathered at this rural crossroads.
Esther L. Smith's warm prose captures details that might otherwise be lost to time: the sound of the pump organ, children's laughter echoing from the schoolyard, families arriving by horse and wagon, and the fellowship that bound neighbors together across generations.
All profits from book sales directly benefit the restoration and preservation of the Old Corner Church.
How to Order
  • Email info@oldcornerchurch.org for current price and postage information
  • Or mail your order to the Treasurer's address (see Donate page)
  • A perfect gift for history lovers, genealogists, or anyone connected to Waterboro's past
Officers and Directors
The Friends of Old Corner Church is governed by dedicated volunteers who give their time, expertise, and passion to ensure this historic meetinghouse endures. We are grateful for their service and stewardship.
Officers
(As of August 21, 2022)
Harold (Bud) Jamieson
President
Perley Yeaton
Vice President
Maureen Anderson
Recording Secretary / Clerk
Linda Hanscom
Treasurer
Board of Directors
Our directors serve staggered terms to ensure continuity and fresh perspectives. The roster is updated annually.
Diane Brooker
Director (term noted 2023)
Wilbur Spencer
Director (term noted 2024)
Brenda Hamilton
Director (term noted 2025)
Tom Jamieson
Director (term noted 2026)
Andrew Snyder
Director (term noted 2027)
Bud Freeman
Director (at large)

Contact the Board
To reach our officers and directors with questions, volunteer inquiries, or other matters, please email info@oldcornerchurch.org. We read every message and respond promptly.
For mailing address, see our Donate or Visit pages.
Connect With Us
Stay in Touch
Whether you're planning a visit, researching family history, interested in volunteering, or simply want to learn more about the Old Corner Church, we'd love to hear from you.
Email
info@oldcornerchurch.org
Follow Us on Social Media
Join our community on Facebook for event announcements, restoration updates, historical photos, and more:
Friends of Old Corner Church - Waterboro
Mailing Address
Friends of Old Corner Church
c/o Treasurer
265 Chadbourne Ridge Road
North Waterboro, ME 04061
Get Involved
Volunteer
Help with events, grounds maintenance, archival projects, or serve on a committee. Every contribution of time and talent makes a difference.
Attend Events
Join us for our Ham Dinner, annual worship service, or seasonal open houses. Fellowship strengthens community and supports our mission.
Share Our Story
Help spread the word about the Old Corner Church through social media, word of mouth, or by bringing friends and family to visit.
Make a Gift
Financial support—whether a one-time donation or recurring gift—ensures this 1804 meetinghouse stands strong for generations to come.
"This unadorned white meetinghouse has welcomed worship, weddings, and town gatherings for more than two centuries. Its preservation safeguards a rare New England story told in timber, granite, and hymn."
Friends of Old Corner Church • 501(c)(3) Public Charity • EIN: 11-3758443
Preserving the 1804 First Baptist Church of Waterborough • National Register of Historic Places (June 28, 1988)
Located at Federal Street & West Road, Waterboro, Maine