The Sunbeam from the Maine Seacoast Mission visited East Boothbay on Sunday, holding a service in the Janet M. Wilson Memorial Chapel which is celebrating its 100th anniversary year.

East Boothbay’s Washburn and Doughty built the Sunbeam, which provides many services to 10 of Maine’s islands without bridges. The services to Frenchboro, Great Cranberry, Isleford, Isle au Haut, Islesboro, Matinicus, Monhegan, North Haven, Swan’s Island and Vinalhaven include island health and telemedicine, a middle school transition program and ice-breaking.

Following the morning service at the chapel, folks were welcomed aboard the Sunbeam for cookies and other refreshments prepared by the ship’s steward, Jillian. Tours were provided, as well as details on the telemedicine service.

Though the Sunbeam does not often visit the chapel, it was a momentous occasion for the ship to return to its roots and help the chapel celebrate its anniversary.

Lewis Wilson built the chapel in memory of his wife. The establishment and construction were funded by locals from Ocean Point and by a large sum from the American Unitarian Association. In 1985, ownership of the chapel changed hands from the association to a charitable corporation created by Ocean Pointers. Aug. 4 is the 100-year mark of the chapel’s dedication.

Jill Carrick, pulpit supply for the chapel, said she has been around for about a third of the chapel’s life.

“It’s a real centering force to have the chapel there as a hub for that long, for the series of people who have passed, coming from all different faiths, and (welcoming) ministers from all different denominations,” said Carrick. “I just like the weaving together of people from different faiths through different generations, through different perspectives. I like the strength in that diversity and that we come together as one. That tradition of legacy and faith— you don’t get that anymore.”