All Saints Chapel, an Episcopal chapel on Orr’s Island, will celebrate the 125th anniversary of its consecration on Aug. 3 with a choral evensong service officiated by the Rt. Rev. Thomas Brown, Episcopal bishop of Maine.
The service will commence with a performance of a movement from Schubert’s string quartet “Death and the Maiden” by musicians from Palaver Strings, a string ensemble based in Portland.
During the service, canticles and an anthem will be sung by members of the Una Voce Chamber Choir, based in Brunswick. The service will end with the rededication of the chapel’s recently restored stained-glass windows. Following the service, a reception will take place in the garden.
Prior to 1900, a group of summer residents of Orr’s Island had begun holding services in homes and at other local sites. With the bishop’s authorization and encouragement, they held a fundraising campaign to build a chapel, which was consecrated on Aug. 6, 1900.
Within five years of its consecration, side aisles and stained-glass windows were added. Over the course of time, many local families contributed furnishings, such as the lectern, candlesticks, a cross for the altar, and a chalice, to name just a few.
In the 1990s, a memorial garden was designed in an area beside the chapel. It is a quiet, beautiful space in which to stroll or to visit those who have chosen to make it their final resting place.
This is truly a community chapel, and we welcome anyone to join us for the festivities, to attend our services at 9 a.m. on Sundays, or to visit for quiet times on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
