Housing
This section of the BDN aims to help readers understand Maine’s housing crisis, the volatile real estate market and the public policy behind them. Read more Housing coverage here.
A nearly 160-year-old church in Bridgton built by one of the state’s most famous architects is up for sale and could be converted to a 4,000-square-foot home
The building, previously known as the South Bridgton Congregational Church, was built in 1870 by Francis Henry Fassett of Bath, one of Maine’s most prolific architects of the mid to late nineteenth century. At the time, the Gothic Revival church on Fosterville Road cost slightly more than $10,500 to construct, according to the National Register of Historic Places.
Fassett is credited with rebuilding several public and private properties in Portland following the city’s Great Fire of 1866 such as The Francis Hotel and Baxter Library Building, both on Congress Street in downtown Portland. His Bridgton church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in June 1987.
“The church served as a gathering place for approximately 150 years hosting weekly services, bean suppers and local events,” said Libby Brackett, a real estate broker and the listing agent for the property.
The property hit the market earlier this month with an asking price of $299,000. That’s significantly lower than the price of an average home in Bridgton, which Zillow placed at roughly $405,000 as of last month.
The main level of the building includes an entry space with a half bathroom as well as stairs that lead to a balcony on the second floor that overlooks the “stunning” sanctuary, Brackett said. Warm wood paneling covers the walls and ceiling throughout much of the building.
Towering arched windows with stained glass details line both sides of the building’s main room, which previously served as the church’s central worship space. A grand chandelier that was converted from oil to electric anchors the grand room.
“The woodwork on the interior is phenomenal and to think that’s been like that since 1870 is crazy,” Brackett said. “The property is so gorgeous, and I think a lot of good can come of it.”
The nearly quarter-acre property slopes down from the road, which allows plenty of sunlight to pour into the building’s walkout basement. That space, Brackett said, previously held large gatherings and holds both a small kitchen and a half bathroom.
The property has been well-maintained throughout its long life, Brackett said, and the roof, electrical and septic systems were all updated in 2004. The site also has a drilled well. While the two-bathroom property has no bedrooms, Brackett said it could become a single-family home, duplex or turn into a commercial space, such as a restaurant or office.
The seller bought the property at the end of 2024, shortly after the church’s congregation merged with Sebago Congregational Church. He had plans to turn the space into an event hall or wedding venue, but his plans changed for personal reasons, Brackett said.
“With it being such a beautiful property, he didn’t want to see it sit,” Brackett said. “It has so much potential and I’m hoping the right buyers come along.”
