Safe Harbor's History |
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The ministry at Safe Harbor Church of Searsport, Maine was begun on June 3, 2001. From the small beginnings of a weekly Bible study in Stockton Springs, the fellowship grew, the Lord guided, and the Lord provided. When pastor Norm and his wife Sandi began searching for a building in which to meet, they were praying that the Lord would help them find property in Searsport. They both were uncertain about their hope of finding anything the new church body could afford. The cost of coastal Maine properties is outlandishly high. One winter day, as they drove along Route 1 in Searsport, their search ended at 318 East Main Street. The old structure stood empty. There was no evidence of occupancy. It had been built in 1819 as a public meeting house, and had been converted to a Congregational church. It stood majestically silent on the top of a snow-covered knoll. It caught their attention, and they stopped across the street to look more closely at it. Not more than a few minutes passed by, when another vehicle pulled alongside and the driver got out to ask if he could help them. He listened as the pastor related that they were looking for a place to meet, and then asked if they would mind coming to his house to discuss this. As it turned out, he was one of the Trustees of the organization that managed the property, and his wife was the Secretary. Bob and Jane were so very excited to hear that there was interest in the building. They just happened to be in need of finding somebody to occupy it. They insisted that the new church fellowship should make plans to try it out for 3 months, at no cost other than utilities. A church was in need of a building, and a building was in need of a church. At lunch soon after the meeting with Bob and Jane, pastor Norm and Sandi sat to discuss what had just transpired. It was a definite gift from the Lord, and now they were about to take the steps of faith that would lead to the culmination of the Lord's plan for them. It was time to think about a name for the new fellowship. When Sandi suggested Safe Harbor, there was an instantaneous, confirming peace that fell on both of them. That name was perfect. It presented the thought of providing a shelter from the storms of life. It was a few weeks later that they told Bob and Jane what the name of the church would be, and Jane quickly produced a document from the association's archives showing the name of the original church: "The Harbor Church", since it was situated at Searsport harbor. What a coincidence! Continued... Close Window |