Boothbay Harbor's First United Methodist Church held an open house Saturday, Sept. 13 inviting community members in to celebrate the completion of the church's much needed upgrades and repairs.

In addition to making the lower floor water-free, excavation, sealing and waterproofing were done and the foundation insulated. Both Certified Lay Minister Tammy Judkins and her husband Gearry (the church's jack-of-all-trades) had nothing but high praise for Jody Lewis in getting the work done well and efficiently. And, to aid some congregation members in getting downstairs for events, a stairlift was installed. 

With the exception of the stained-glass windows, all others have been replaced. There are new front and side stairs, and a rebuilt front ramp; a new roof, and very soon the church's reconditioned weathervane, with a facimile of the Schooner Bowdoin pointing the direction of the wind, will be reinstalled, thanks to the efforts of church member Wayne Stanley. And the parking lot and driveway were newly paved. Landscaping was done on the north-facing side of the building, with alternating rhododendrons and conifer trees.

There were many visitors to the church on Saturday, and not just for the open house. It was also Pie Sale Saturday and all of the Pie Ladies were in attendance wearing their green "pie lady" aprons. For the open house, they baked cookie favorites including chocolate chip, Toll House, peanut butter and a host of others. Most people either stayed a bit for a coffee or punch and sweet and a chat, some came in just for a pie, and many did both.