The First Parish Preservation Foundation was recently formed to help ensure the successful preservation of Kennebunk’s magnificent First Parish Church. The church building is an architectural treasure and we intend to do everything we can to keep it so. The foundation by-laws set out our mission, “to act as a non-profit organization dedicated to procuring and managing funds for projects related to improving and/or maintaining the structure and/or historic nature of the property.” The by-laws are available to anyone who might have an interest. 

 In the year 2000, recognizing previous efforts, Maine Preservation presented the church with a “Statewide Historic Preservation Honor Award.” Roxanne Elflin, then executive director of Maine Preservation, noted “The restoration of the First Parish Church serves as an outstanding example of the successful preservation of one of Maine’s most historically significant churches.” Her thoughts were echoed within the last month by the current Executive Director of Maine Preservation, Greg Paxton. The foundation will continue this tradition of conscientious preservation.

Mr. Burr’s letter about the foundation and recent renovations at First Parish Church (“Church member critical of foundation,” Nov. 28) is full of misinformation. If Mr. Burr had stayed with the deliberative process that led to the establishment of the foundation, rather than resigning, his concerns would have been greatly moderated. The process spanned several years and the final product, the approved by-laws, ensures protection for the historical integrity of the building. The foundation is independent and will only pursue projects that conform to the restrictions in the by-laws. For those who might have concerns about donations based on Mr. Burr’s letter they should be confident that donations will clearly be used as intended….namely taking care of this historic building. No donations will be used for church activities. 

All organizations that own or occupy an historic building are confronted with the very kinds of questions Mr. Burr raises. How do you balance 21st century needs with early 19th century architecture? The answer is:  “very carefully.” For more than 200 years our predecessors wrestled with these questions. Do you install central heating, electric power, flush toilets, insulation, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, etc.? How do you construct a handicapped access ramp without compromising the original architecture? All of these fall outside the “freeze” that Mr. Burr advocates. These are the nitty-gritty problems of preserving and maintaining an old building. It is after all a public building and must be safe, functional and reasonably comfortable – all without sacrificing the historic integrity of the building.

Be assured that the foundation directors are sensitive to the importance of this responsibility. The board consists of seven directors (Sandy Armentrout, Eric Clough, Kevin Flynn, Jay Kilbourn, Ki Leffler, Bill Grabin and Bob Lown) and four honorary directors (Steve Adams, Joyce Butler, Tom and Kate Chappell). Seven of these individuals are not members of the church while only four are members. Furthermore, we will be consulting with others in our community who have expertise as well as professional preservationists. We welcome any and all suggestions. In a sense, the First Parish building belongs to us all.

Finally, contrary to Mr. Burr’s assertion in his letter, the fine old E. Howard steeple clock has been fully restored and will be re-installed in the steeple very soon.

Bob Lown, Chairman

First Parish Preservation Foundation 

Editor’s note: The headline accompanying Steven Burr’s letter described him as a church member. As the letter states, he is a former member of the church. It was the editor’s error.