Parishioners of the First Baptist Church of Woolwich are raising the roof — literally.  The congregation has launched an effort to replace the roof of the landmark building that’s been a fixture on Middle Road since the early 1800s.

Pastor Tom Tuck said the congregation has raised about a third of the funds. Estimates from local contractors have put the job in the range of $30,000 or more. A recent inspection revealed a number of structural deficiencies that need addressing.

The roof is over the original clapboard building where the sanctuary is located. It’s built of a Colonial-style post and beam design and entirely made of wood. But after withstanding the elements for 176 years, the roof line is showing its age and noticeably starting to sag in places.

Over the years, the congregation has made a number of renovations to the church. A spacious addition was placed on the north side of the sanctuary to accommodate a kitchen, children’s room and library.  Not long ago, the sanctuary was redecorated. The work included covering the wooden pews with red cushioning; plaster work; and repainting.

Joan Jordon and her husband Gerry of Woolwich, along with several other church members, were on hand April 22 for an annual spring cleaning. Joan Jordon pointed to colorful pink, lavender and yellow Easter flowers, all gifts from parishioners. The flowers surrounded the pulpit.

“People give them in remembrance of loved ones they’ve lost. It’s a tradition we carry on every Easter,” she explained.

Working upstairs tidying up the balcony in the rear of the church was Richard Hansen of Wiscasset. David Bailey, who resides nearby on Mountain Road, was also there. Bailey, the church’s unofficial historian, said the balcony was removed during a past renovation. The church restored it to the sanctuary in the 1960s.

Bailey celebrated his 56th anniversary as a member April 23. His said his family joined the church when he was a youngster in 1958. That was about a year or so before the first annex was added. He said the church is among the oldest to have continuously served the Woolwich community. The congregation first organized in the 1790s.

According to a History of Woolwich – A Town Remembered, a petition was filed for its formation with the General Court of Massachusetts in 1796 after the worshipers broke from the church in nearby Montsweag. The founders of the new church were from Woolwich and nearby Bowdoinham. They initially met to worship in different members’ homes, but services were also held in two Woolwich buildings that also served as early schoolhouses. The congregation shared its first minister with the church at “Bath town,” according to a chapter on Woolwich’s church history. It further states, in 1839 Robert Perkins, a church deacon, donated land for a building to serve as a permanent house of worship. Construction was carried out as funds became available and was finally completed in 1841. An elder, William Day, served as the first minister after the building was dedicated that same year.

From the outside, the building looks much the same today as when it was first built, Bailey said. The congregation initially called it the Baptist Church of Christ, although Bailey is certain it was also known as the Center Baptist Church. The building is located not far from Nequasset Lake in the middle of town.

Hanging on the vestry wall is an original seating plan for the church and a list of its founders. The surnames include: Shaw, Perkins, Curtis, Wright, Stinson, Blanchard and Card, names still familiar in the community today.

Tuck has served as minister to the church for more than 12 years. He isn’t sure when the roof project will be getting under way. Fundraising events have included fish, corn chowder and bean suppers and a yard sale. The church also operated a table donated to it at Montsweag Flea Market.

“It is the first major construction we’ve taken on in a number of years,” Tuck said. For more information, contact him at pastortom3@gmail.com.