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Franco-American Heritage Center (formerly Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church) - Lewiston - Androscoggin County Year listed: 1999
Before After Saved! Situated in Lewiston’s Little Canada neighborhood, Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church was closed and threatened with demolition in 2000 due to the diminished size of the congregation. Designed in the Norman Gothic Style by Timothy G. O’Connell, one of the most prolific architects of civic and religious structures in New England, designing approximately 600 in his career including St. David’s in Madawaska and St. Joseph’s Convent in Portland, St. Mary’s is significant both architecturally and culturally. Local tradition holds that it was built in this style because many of the parishioners were of Norman descent.
was established as a Performing Art, Museum, and Learning Center. A major restoration and adaptive reuse project converted St. Mary’s Church into the Franco- American Heritage Center. The new Center houses a museum dedicated to the region’s Franco-American heritage in the lower level with a performance area on the main floor.
A major capital campaign is successfully inching its way towards the $4.5 million mark, the necessary funds for the successful restoration. The non-profit group has raised most of the amount and was awarded a $4,500 grant. This money has allowed for the stabilization of the exterior and some of the interior as well as the $1 million facade restoration, all of which fell into Phase 1 of the master plan. Renovation plans for the summer of 2005 include the complete painting of the performance hall, construction of a riser system to increase seating in the performance hall to 453, and moving the Frazee Organ from the choir loft to a position at front-of-house. The building is occupied by the Franco American Heritage Center and the performance hall is in operation. To get involved, contact Lionel Guay, Chairman, Franco-American Heritage Center, P.O. Box 1627, Lewiston, ME 04240, (207) 783-1585, lionelguay@aol.com . You can also visit the Center’s website and see a list of upcoming performances at www.francoamericanheritage.org .
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In 2001, the Franco American Heritage Center at St. Mary’s