800-pound bell now graces organization’s grounds
LOOKING SHARP: The belfry of the former North Brooksville Methodist Church with a fresh coat of paint, part of a major multi-year renovation effort that restored the building’s copper steeple. Photo courtesy of Reversing Falls Sanctuary.
Nov. 2, 2026
By Staff
BROOKSVILLE—A community-based organization with a focus on spirituality, social responsibility and the arts, Reversing Falls Sanctuary in Brooksville “models and inspires care for Earth, our common home,” according to its website.
Now the organization’s actual physical home–a former church–completed all the finish work on a new copper steeple.
Just ahead of the cold November weather, a carpentry team from Hewes & Company, the Blue Hill-based custom builders, completed all the structural rebuilding and finish carpentry in the steeple and belfry of the 125-year-old North Brooksville Methodist Church building that houses RFS. Another crew then painted the fine millwork a gleaming coat of white.
In addition, Hewes workers placed the 800-pound bell that once hung in the belfry on a newly built pedestal at the southeast corner of the building for all to see.
“It all looks so magnificent,” said Brooksville’s Anne Ferrara, an emeritus member of the RFS board of directors.
A finishing touch will come next spring when the weather warms. That’s when the lower section of the church tower will get a fresh coat of white paint.
RFS has been able to fund the project with matching funds from the Maine Steeples Fund and private donations from residents of the greater Blue Hill Peninsula.
