The First Universalist Church of Norway, constructed in 1828, is a marvelous timber frame structure and a testament to Yankee ingenuity and craftsmanship.    More than 190 years of wind, water and weather have caused structural deterioration that must be repaired. This critical work can no longer be postponed.

Save the Belfry – Norway, Maine is a community-wide project to restore the belfry.

The Save the Belfry Committee is made up of both church and community members who are organizing fundraising and are educating the public about the importance of preserving this symbol of Norway’s skyline for another 190 years.

In the simplest terms, “saving the belfry” will involve removing it to the ground, repairing the belfry itself, repairing the tower roof that supports it and putting the belfry back on the building. Other areas of repair, such as a few floor joists at the back of the building, painting, and drainage/landscaping have also been identified. These will be addressed, but saving the belfry, an iconic feature of Norway’s skyline, is the highest priority. The project has been divided into several phases.

We are committed to maintaining this historic building.  The planned repairs will save the bell tower and preserve this landmark of Norway’s skyline for another 190 years.

This is our responsibility to our past and our future.

Preservation Timber Framing, Inc. of Berwick, Maine  is the contractor for the restoration. This company is widely known and respected throughout New England and specializes in repairing and restoring historic timber frame buildings.  Their work includes a number of church buildings and steeples in Maine, including the Troy Union Church and the UU church in Castine.

These drawings by Preservation Timber Framing, Inc. illustrate the structure of the building, the tower and the belfry. The color-coded segments indicate what will be repaired or replaced.