Razorville Chapel in 2002. Submitted photo
WASHINGTON — The Friends of Razorville Chapel seeks funds to refurbish the long-idled chapel at the corner of Route 105 and Young’s Hill Road.
The building was acquired from The International Society of Christian Endeavor after a years-long search to ferret out the legal owner of the property. Originally a schoolhouse, the structure was relocated in 1897 to a tiny plot purchased for $15 by trustees of the Razorville Young Peoples Society of Christian Endeavor. It never changed hands from then until last year, according to a news release from Friends’ Charlotte Henderson.
The building was used by the Christian Endeavor organization for meetings, Sunday school and likely church, but the timeline is unclear and far from complete. Those with knowledge about the first century of the chapel are encouraged to post facts to facebook.com/razorvillechapel.
Friends of Razorville Chapel envision the small building being used for special services, meetings, private events, small theater presentations, or music recitals, guest speakers, and other purposes that are suited to an intimate sized of hall.
Work that needs to be done to make the structure solid and safe for public use includes foundation and sill replacement, new roofing, and new windows.
The estimates, which are now several months old, total about $95,000. The group will be seeking funding from many sources to raise enough to make the chapel long-term weather tight before another winter.
Contributions can be sent to Friends of Razorville Chapel, in care of Patty Manson, treasurer, 55 Youngs Hill Road, Washington ME 04574. For more information, email razorvillechapel@gmail.com.
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