Old Red Church, 1804 - Standish, Cumberland County

Located on the northern edge of the village center, the Old Red Church is a well-preserved Federal period meeting house painted in an unusual color for a church of this period. The wood frame building is two stories tall with a gable front roof. The facade is symmetrical with an entrance on each side. Above the cornice in the gable end is a large louvered fan. A square tower sits just behind the front of the church. The belfry is open and the top of the tower is lined with a balustrade with finial posts. The interior was originally configured as a large two-story meeting space with a gallery around part of the second floor. In 1848 the upper floor was fully built out when the local academy used the space. The original box pews and pulpit remain on the first floor. The church was built on land donated by Reverend Daniel Marrett, the community's pastor, after the meeting house in the town center was allegedly damaged by a group of intoxicated soldiers. In addition to being used as a school, the second floor of the building has also hosted various organizations over the years. The church is currently managed by the town and is open on select days and by appointment.

Year Listed: 1975

For more information: https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail?assetID=78514432-3824-4ae0-91e9-2bbbdd9d27b7

https://www.oldredchurch.org/