Golden Announces $3 Million for Downeast Historic Preservation Efforts

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced today that he has secured $3 million in dedicated funding as part of the 2023 appropriations government funding package for historic preservation projects in Wayne and East Machias. The funding, which passed the Senate yesterday and is expected to head to the president’s desk for his signature this week, will be used for the restoration of the Wayne Masonic Hall and the First Congregational Church of East Machias. 

“I’m proud to help these rural communities in Maine preserve their history and important gathering places,” said Congressman Golden.“For small towns like Wayne and East Machias, it’s impossible to overstate how important these buildings are to the families that live there. Delivering this investment is about maintaining the quality of life, connectedness, and the sense of community that is so important in small towns.”

Built in 1867, the Mason Hall was a key part of industry in Wayne. In the recent decades, it has fallen into disrepair. This funding will be used to make much needed repairs to the building and reoutfit it for use as a community gathering space giving a boost to Wayne’s economy and available social opportunities. 

“We are grateful to our Congressman Golden for providing catalytic investment in the adaptive re-use of two buildings listed on our annual Most Endangered Historic Places list in 2021--the First Congregational Church of East Machias and Wayne Masonic Hall,” said Tara Kelly, executive director of Maine Preservation. “When stabilized and rehabilitated, these critically imperiled structures are slated to become economic and cultural stimulators in their rural communities, providing much-needed gathering spaces, public programs, and employment opportunities.”

“As Washington County charts a course toward economic revival through amenity-based development, it is essential that the region’s cultural heritage is preserved through thoughtful community planning and the preservation of our historic architecture,” said Erica Famous, Preservation Project Coordinator of Friends of the First Congregational Church of East Machias. “The Friends of the First Congregational Church of East Machias is dedicated to honoring the community’s rich history while providing a welcoming space for cultural enrichment and improving community resilience through the restoration of this historic landmark.  We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Maine Preservation on this project and we are honored by the support of Congressman Golden.”

The request on behalf of the Maine Preservation was one of the congressman’sCommunity Project Funding requests. Congressman Golden was the only member of the delegation whose request for funding was included in the year-end omnibus spending bill.

Construction of the First Congregational Church in East Machias was completed in 1836 and in the nearly two centuries since, the church has fallen in need of significant repairs. The funding will be used to make substantial repairs to the church so that it can reopen as a welcoming space for all members of the Washington County community.

###