Brooklin votes to accept gift of church, hall and $100k
Town also elects candidates, including one for school board who wins seat with just nine write-in votes
April 7, 2026
By Jessica Hardy
The Greek revival church sits on the Reach Road in Brooklin. Photo by Jessica Hardy.
BROOKLIN—Brooklin is now the owner of a church, a hall, and $100,000.
The town voted on April 3 to accept a $100,000 gift provided by the First Baptist Church, along with the church building itself and its adjacent Bowden Hall on Bay Road. The measure passed by a vote of 180-49.
Members of the 1853 Greek revival church hired engineer Andrew McCullough last fall to assess the building and make recommendations for improvements. In his report, McCullough wrote the church may need improvements in the future to their ADA ramps, a new roof, emergency lighting and fire extinguishers. The feasibility committee also recommended inspections for plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems.
Public comment on the issue came out at four public meetings held by church board trustees.
Residents made pleas for and against the acquisition through written statements available online. Kate Calhoun suggested Bowden Hall be used for pop-up physician visits. Steve and Jennifer White called the church and properties the “heart of Brooklin.”
The one letter of opposition came from Claire Mortimer who wrote, “The Town of Brooklin is not in a position to take on the expenses and potential liabilities involved in ownership of a large, old church building.”
“The hot topic is the church,” town clerk Heather Candage told The Rising Tide at the start of Brooklin’s town voting.
Bowden Hall, a former fire station. Photo by Jessica Hardy.
Bowden Hall, once the Brooklin Fire Station, shares the property and is still used for community events, including Scouts craft shows, Brooklin’s Food Pantry and Open Door Church services on Sunday and Wednesday evenings.
In addition to voting on the church donation, residents also elected candidates for three town seats.
Candage, who has served as town clerk for 10 years, secured her role in a 223-7 vote for another three year term. She called the voting population in Brooklin “very involved.”
Another incumbent, Stacia Nevins, was also reelected to a three year term as selectman in a 209-21 vote.
Paige Morse won the write-in vote for Brooklin’s School Board with nine votes. The remaining 221 ballots were other write-in or blank votes.
The vote on the $1,530 per pupil in additional tuition requested by George Stevens Academy will take place at Brooklin’s Town Meeting on Saturday, April 25 at the Brooklin Elementary School gym.
