I did not grow up going to church. I do not think this is that unusual in this part of the world. Last I knew, Maine is only second to Vermont in the fewest churches per capita.

Our village on the coast of Maine has two dedicated church buildings, both boasting sanctuaries dating back to the early 19th century.

The date outside the Bayshore Baptist Church, its spire extending along Route One/Atlantic Highway between the Beach and Ducktrap, reads 1835.

The actual building of the church is shrouded by the veil of time, but the church’s website documents that in 1847, Christians of varying denominations put aside differences and united around this place of worship. I suspect Lincolnville Investigative Historian/Archaeologist Corelyn Senn will have more to say on this.

I have some experience with this old place, having attended a few weddings and at least one summer Vacation Bible School at the old church at the shore.

Vacation Bible School — I get it now, a chance to send the kids away for  week, and maybe they will learn something useful. I learned I love feltboards and mid-morning Oreos. I am a bit of heathen, but the church ladies of Bayshore Baptist did their best.

In 2025, this old sanctuary is being led by Pastor Draa Mackey.

Draa grew up on the Midcoast, with grandparents in Lincolnville. His parents were married at Bayshore in the early 1990s. Following achieving a bachelors degree in Pastoral Ministries, Draa returned to Lincolnville in 2018 to take over the ministry at Bayshore Baptist, and also his grandfather’s landscaping business.

This strikes me as a very Maine story: the landscaping pastor, doing what he needed to while pursuing his vocation, raising a young family, expanding a congregation, maintaining his neighbors lawns. Side-hustling all over the place.

Pastor Draa arrived to find an aging congregation, like many small places of worship across the Midcoast, and sought to revitalize this old church. With a passion for the Gospel, the good news, he has sought to empower the people of his church through the Word.

With the support of the church, Pastor Draa is currently pursuing a master’s degree, studying biblical languages. Super impressive, especially while being a father, husband, and pastor still continuing to dabble in landscaping. 

In coordination with the Varacity Chapel in Morrill, the Bayshore Baptist has developed an active youth group which meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month, with the second, fourth, and fifth Wednesdays reserved for dinner and Bible study.

I found Pastor Draa to be friendly and welcoming, an energetic young man with a clear passion for what he does. In my job as a social worker, I have always been impressed with religious leaders — social workers with a higher calling. When hard things happen, it is the religious leader who is often there, “Running toward the trauma” in the words of Pastor Draa.

The Bayshore Baptist is traditional in its sanctuary, no jumbo screen or praise band in this mid-19th Century chapel, though Pastor Draa did admit to occasionally bringing out his guitar. Under his direction, the congregation has expended, but the Pastor is very aware of the need to ensure that the long time congregants are heard; it is never wise to upset a church lady.

As an infrequent attendee of the Lincolnville UCC, I was impressed with the Bayshore’s pews, still hard wood, but slanted slightly back, and no lip at the top to press into you should you get too comfortable during the sermon. Luxurious!

Should you be of the Christian persuasion, and look to hear the Word on a Sunday morning, you may find a home at Bayshore Baptist. Pastor Draa and his congregation will welcome you with open arms.

Also, he told me that the feltboards are probably still somewhere around. I still need to learn all the layers of the Tabernacle of the Ark.

Grange Community Speaker

This Wednesday, April 30 from 6-8 p.m., the Schoolhouse Museum, 33 Beach Road, will host the Tranquility Grange in its presentation “Sharing Skills Toward Self-Reliance Supporting Independence and Sustainability.” Former editor of the MOFGA newspaper, and long time local gardener, Jean English, will share tips for starting and transplanting seedlings, followed by a Q&A and dessert.

Town Budget

In my longtime role as a member of the Budget Committee for the town of Lincolnville (still looking for whoever wrote me in on the ballot 17 years ago!), I have had the opportunity to offer my thoughts on many municipal and school budgets. Last Wednesday the board gave its recommendations on the proposed budgets, and while we did not have any members of the public attending in person, I was so pleased by the discussions held by the committee, and the attendance of Superintendent Kate Clark and Town Administrator Dave Kinney to field out questions.

In a time when many of us feel like we have little control over the decisions made by our government, should you live in this little town, you have the right to transparency. The nine of us on the Budget Committee discussed, debated, disagreed, joked, and ultimately recommended approval of the current budgets. But it is up to you, people of Lincolnville, to decide what we will spend for our school and municipality. 

Sympathy

To the family and loved ones of Rosalie Davis. The mother of Gerald, Nicole, and Joey, she lived an amazing life, taking care of people, as we all should. And that lady could make beautiful wreathes come Christmas.

Okay, Lincolnville, that is what I got for today. Sympathy to the kids who have to go back to school after a week off. And love to the parents who can finally get ahead of all the dishes in the sink.

Be good and do good, and reach out to me at ceobrien246@gmail.com.

Municipal Calendar

Monday, April 28

Select Board Meeting, 6 p.m., Town Office

Tuesday, April 29

Library open 3-6 p.m. 208 Main Street

AA Meeting 12:15 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Wednesday, April 30

Planning Board, 6 p.m. Town Office

Bayshore Baptist Church, Dinner and Midweek Bible Study, 6-7 p.m.

Friday, May 2

AA Meeting 12:15 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Saturday, May 3

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Sunday, May 4

United Christian Church, 9:30 a.m. Worship and Children’s Church, 18 Searsmont Road

Bayshore Baptist Church, 10 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages, 10:40 a.m. Coffee and Baked Goods, 11:00 a.m. worship, 2648 Atlantic Highway