The contributions of hundreds of donors, the enthusiasm of All Saints parishioners from seven churches throughout Maine’s Midcoast, the generosity of school families and alumni at St. John’s Catholic School, and a recent approval from a town review board have moved the dream of a new multi-purpose facility in Brunswick closer to becoming a reality.

Launched in June, a capital campaign entitled “Founded on Faith, Building the Future” has raised over $3 million towards a goal of $4.7 million for the new multi-purpose building. The facility will be approximately 14,250 square feet and include a large open space that will serve as an auditorium, gymnasium, and cafeteria; a fully-equipped kitchen; a stage; a music room; a meeting room; an Adoration chapel; full men’s and women’s restrooms and locker rooms; family bathrooms; and other amenities. 

On Nov. 15, the town’s Village Review Board approved a “Certificate of Appropriateness” for the project. As a result, the steering committee overseeing the project will continue to execute a plan which calls for design details to be completed in advance of a spring groundbreaking. The facility will be erected on the west side of the campus that connects the historic St. John the Baptist Church and St. John’s Catholic School on Pleasant Street. It will be tastefully designed to complement the architecture of the beautiful landmark church.

“The parishioners, students, school alumni, and faculty are overjoyed at the progress that has been made,” said Jim Baskerville, general chair of the steering committee overseeing the campaign. “The wider community is embracing this project as well. The town recreation center, a Knights of Columbus hall, and our parish hall are now unavailable due to being demolished, sold, and restricted for occupancy, respectively. There is an appreciation for how important having a facility like this is for not only the use and enjoyment of the parish and school, but for other organizations as well.”

The building design will be finalized by Scott Simons Architects in Portland; Sitelines, PA, of Brunswick; and the Parish Construction Committee, headed by parishioner Peggy Keegan. It will contain slight modifications from the original plans announced in June, including an improved configuration for the front of the building, a reduction in total size by just over 400 square feet, and slight changes to the Adoration chapel and music room. The new facility will also accommodate growth in the Brunswick area and plans for rising enrollment in the school and parish.

“It’s truly an exciting time as we transform this long-awaited vision to reality,” said Keegan.

Though the ground is slated to be broken in just a few months, fundraising continues as the campaign aims to fully outfit the building and meet its goal of $4.7 million. Many local contractors and professionals will be used in the construction process.

“I am deeply grateful for the many contributors in our parish, school, and community who have offered financial support,” said Fr. Thomas Murphy, pastor of All Saints Parish of which the church and school are a part. “This campaign presented the chance for parishioners and non-parishioners to work together with a shared goal of creating a facility that will benefit residents of Brunswick and the Midcoast region. This process is establishing a new era of cooperation and friendship that will grow for years to come throughout the community.”

To view the All Saints Parish’s “Founded on Faith, Building the Future” campaign video, visit www.allsaintsmaine.com and click the “Play Video” link.

If you are interested in making a donation to the capital campaign, online donations can be made at www.allsaintsmaine.com by clicking the “Donate Here” link. The naming of major rooms for significant donations is also ongoing. To make a donation by phone or for more information, contact Charleen Foley at All Saints Parish at (207) 725-2624 or charleen.foley@portlanddiocese.org.