If all goes according to the plan, the Twin Villages will soon see the Damariscotta Baptist Church Steeple raised to its former position overlooking downtown Damariscotta. Though fundraising hurdles still remain, Walter Hilton, chairman of the Steeple Fundraising Committee, believes the steeple will be raised in the next few weeks.
“It’ll get up one way or another,” said Hilton, who was standing outside the Maine Coast Book Shop collecting donations alongside a large wheeled replica of the steeple, “You have to be optimistic.”
Though the steeple will be raised before the end of summer, the cost of such an endeavor still poses an issue. Hilton estimated $30,000 remains to be raised as of this week. An anonymous lender has offered a no interest loan to make up the financial need, however, the Fundraising Committee is still considering the offer.
“We’re not taking it off the table,” said Hilton. It is feared that if the loan is accepted, fundraising to pay the loan will trickle off if potential donors see that the steeple is already on the Church.
Until a final decision is made on the loan, the Committee is still accepting donations large and small. Volunteers are standing outside the Book Shop every day from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. collecting money from those passing by. An auction is also in the works, with the steeple’s old weathervane and a three-hour river cruise among the items up for bid. The Committee is currently accepting donated items for the auction.
Those wishing to donate can contact Walter Hilton at 631-2198.
