The front entrance door of Boothbay Harbor United Methodist Church, on Townsend Avenue, was open on a beautiful sunny day. I was a bit early for my visit, but as soon as I walked into the church, Tammy Judkins greeted me from her office beside the central sanctuary behind the access wall to the church organ.

“Come on in,” she called, “Gearry is mowing the grass, let me get him.” While she was outside, a person came in from the street and settled into a pew near the rear of the church and sat quietly. When Tammy and Gearry are “in residence,” they like to keep the doors open to invite visitors who might be interested in a brief moment of reflection and rest. I learned quite quickly that both Tammy and Gearry seek to keep the church open and accessible for this reason.

Tammy Judkins is the Certified Lay Minister of the parish. It is a role she has sort of grown into in her 36-year affiliation with the church. But, in order to officially assume this role, she had to spend much time studying and mentoring through other churches, and to be accepted by the church hierarchy, i.e., The Bishop, the District Superintendent, Coordinating Pastor and, last, but by no means least, her local flock. Tammy’s official appointment was in July of 2022. Since then, and long before she and her husband Gearry have devoted countless hours caring for the church community and helping to maintain the building, commuting from their home in Newcastle.

I first knew Gearry from photographing, years ago, at Goudy and Stevens shipyard in East Boothbay. He was a Jack of all trades and a master of many. Back in those days everybody did a little of everything. I would see him running the crane, driving wedges for a launch, lugging materials, working in the fab shop and thrashing about in the bowels of one of the many steel-hulled vessels the yard built. He worked at the yard for eight years then moved on to become a press operator at Lincoln County Printing in Newcastle for 16 years, all the while helping to care for the church property, which he still does today!

Keeping the church going has not been easy. Shrinking church attendance nationally has challenged local churches as well, but Tammy was pleased to share that seven new members would be welcomed Aug. 30, with plans for an open house on Sept. 13. The church may be diminished, but there is no lack of outreach and service. The church’s mission of helping is strongly felt. “We are family” is a strong and ambitious mantra reflecting many beneficial activities sponsored by the church. For example, the well known and much anticipated church Pie Sale, access to used clothing, handmade hats and mittens for the colder days, clothes and water for Portland homeless, to mention a few. Tammy and Gearry are quick to mention and thank devoted church members for helping to sustain “the family.”

Over the years, I have known many eager supporters connected with the church. Dominic Garvey provided great energy and musical gift, giving significant guidance to the church choir. Franklyn Lenthall was a lay minister. I recall Rev. Marilyn Robb and Rev. Dana Beth and Allen Wells-Goodwin, Rev. Jim Smith from years gone by; each, in their own way, offering leadership and compassion.