Help Us Save the Meeting House

Since 1804, when Francis Keyes was charged with constructing a meeting house “as near to the center as may be,” the House has occupied the same site, 1352 Route 2, in Rumford Center, Maine. For more than 200 years, the Rumford Center Meeting House has served as the community’s gathering place. Though still in use, the structure is in sorry condition, its foundation crumbling, paint peeling, not one system up to code. 

The Rumford Center Village Improvement Society (RCVIS) is determined to rescue the building and have made great progress! We have a four-phase work plan for saving the Meeting House. We have the right contractor and will have an historic preservation consultant. We have funding too, $37,000 so far from membership dues, donations, a yard sale, and a Belvedere Fund grant.

BUT, we don’t have enough money for all of Phase One:  1) Excavate perimeter of building to provide access for lifting apparatus, and proceed to raise the building;  2) Once building is elevated, install  new frost wall foundation and strategic support devices while assessing structural needs for Phase Two;  3) Set building back on new foundation and prepare grounds for seeding etc. 

Phase One is set to begin October2023. To make that happen, we must raise an additional $35,000. We need your help! Help Us Save the Meeting House!

All donations are tax deductible, as RCVIS is a 501(c)3 non-profit. 

If you would prefer to donate via check, please send to: Rumford Center Village Improvement Society PO Box 361Rumford, ME 04276