This "oral history" of the Church of the Good Shepherd is taken through conversations with Louise Doak. I am indebted to her for this colorful historical account.

The Good Shepherd came into being in 1919. This time was during the "heyday" of Rangeley. Folks would come to visit for the entire summer; usually finding accommodations at one of the large hotels. It seems that some of these visitors were Episcopalian and they wanted an Episcopal Church here so that they could "attend" during the summer months. A few "founding families" got together and began meeting in people's homes.

In 1921, the first church was "built". The reason built is in quotation marks is that our first church was actually a stable. The stable was acquired and moved to a location on Lake Street (now the location of the United Kingfield Bank parking lot). Renovations were done to convert the stable into a quaint church. During those days, there was a lot of "sweat equity" with parishioner workers doing most of the renovation. The first church (better known as "the little church" in the congregation) was quite cozy. There was a wood furnace in the basement (undercroft) and a pump organ upstairs. A few dedicated parishioners would come from Kennebago in the wee hours of the morning and build a roaring fire in the wood furnace so the church would be warm for the 11 o'clock service. Ministers were present in the summer, then members of the congregation would run the service during the colder months. And occasionally a traveler minister would arrive for communion.

A photograph of the interior of the little church

During the 1950's The Good Shepherd transitioned from a mission (financially supported by the diocese) to a full, self supporting church.

A photograph of the choir from years ago.
Can you guess which one is Louise Doak?

Click here to skip to the answer.

In 1964 and 1965, the present day church was built. Apparently the construction of such a large church was controversial in little town of Rangeley. Most townspeople considered us financially irresponsible dreamers! We underwent a major roof leak and repair, and installed some incredibly thick rafters. By the time the church was dedicated in 1965, the mortgage was paid off (largely due to a benefactor in New Hampshire).

Our church has had a number of colorful ministers; all of whom have contributed greatly to our church. The "original", Father Dan Sullivan, was a dynamic and hard-working priest. He was ordained in the little church and spearheaded the transition to the present day church. When a member of the congregation is asked why we do something in a certain way, their reply is often, "It must be the ghost of Dan Sullivan." Among the congregation members, who knew Dan, his ghost is a good thing to have around.

Another story is our present day cross. Two local Rangeley youth, Ardine (Barney) Doak and Earl Fraser, enlisted and fought together in World War II. They both went to Europe and they were both taken prisoner. Although they were separated, they both were on the Bataan death march. Ardine was sent on a woods detail, developed encephalitis and died. Earl survived his 3 - 4 years as a prisoner of war. Earl felt that his buddy deserved a memorial and he built (with the help of many friends) a huge laminated redwood cross. This large cross towers behind our altar today. It is dedicated to the memory of Earl's friend, Ardine (Barney) Doak.

In 2002 - 2003 we enlarged the Good Shepherd church, adding handicapped access (elevator), new offices, new classrooms, and a new entrance. The congregation wishes to thank the Seymours for their contribution, which enabled us to build our new addition. 

Answer to the above question:  In the choir photo, Louise Grant (Doak) is located in the second row. She is directly behind the little girl in the front.