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Crooked Steeple Hall: Save the Steeple!

Help us rescue a charming antique church and turn it into a unique space for nonprofit events, private functions and community engagement.

$335
pledged of$100,000 goal
5
0Days Left

Project Description

LISTEN TO A RADIO INTERVIEW WITH KATRINA PETERSEN,

OWNER OF CROOKED STEEPLE HALL

(Video COMING SOON!)

We’re revitalizing a piece of history in the heart of Maine. With your help, we’ll rescue a charming antique church and turn it into a unique space for nonprofit events, private functions, and community engagement - Winterport's own Crooked Steeple Hall

 

 

Meet The Women Behind Crooked Steeple Hall

Founder Katrina Petersen bought Crooked Steeple because she fell in love with Winterport and couldn’t bear to see such an iconic feature of its skyline disappear. Katrina had limited time and funds, but she has a vision, creativity, restoration experience and willingness to get dirty! Since buying the building 6 years ago, she's built a rockstar team of women to help bring Crooked Steeple Hall to its full potential.

Our Team:

 

Our Vision

We see brides entering for their wedding reception after getting married in the Winterport Union Meeting House across the street. We imagine silent auctions raising thousands to support local charities and nonprofits. We also envision political debates and community town halls that facilitate free speech to help people find common ground.
 
Although functional for basic events, Crooked Steeple Hall needs work to achieve its true potential. A lot of work. Restoring it and keeping it in good condition takes time, effort, and money. The stamped tin walls and ceilings are hungry for primer and paint to preserve their historic character. The steeple is a unique architectural structure requiring the work of a highly specialized steeplejack. Katrina’s already invested close $200,000 of her own money, doing much of the work herself with the help of town residents, friends, and calling in Winterport businesses to do the specialized work. Now we are asking for your help!

Once it’s fully functional, Crooked Steeple Hall will generate revenue to keep the building up-to-date, enabling us to offer the space free of charge for non-profit groups while maintaining the iconic building.  

Inside Crooked Steeple Hall many original details are preserved including tin walls and stained glass windows.

 

Preserving the Past

Crooked Steeple Hall in 1911

Crooked Steeple Hall was built in 1850 to house the town's growing Methodist population. Winterport was the home of choice for sea captains who sailed the eastern seaboard and beyond. Sailors chose the spot because it was the last unfrozen inland harbor on the Penobscot River. Goods shipped from nearby Bangor could reach the world via Winterport.

Blake & Co Original Church Bell, Cast 1872

In the 1870’s the congregation bought a bell cast by Blake and Co., the foundry in Massachusetts that was originally owned by Paul Revere. They hung it inside the quintessential New England white steeple. That steeple is now the namesake of this historic building, giving the Winterport skyline its distinctive New England charm. 

Katrina has put hours of sweat equity into Crooked Steeple Hall with the help of local townspeople and business owners.

 

Crooked Steeple Today

Katrina bought Crooked Steeple Hall with an audacious goal in mind. She wanted to completely restore this historic building. The vaulted space with its stained glass windows is the perfect location for weddings, non-profit events, and political debates. 

The idea isn’t as crazy as it sounds. Just 1 hour from Acadia National Park, Crooked Steeple Hall maintains the quaint New England charm without the commercialization that has changed the face of more tourist-focused areas. Winterport is a haven for vacationers and locals alike who want the authentic Maine experience. 

The Master Suite at 1812 Pierce House

With a suite located inside the hall and additional lodging at the nearby 1812 Pierce House, visitors to Winterport are within easy driving distance to some of Maine’s most iconic destinations including Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Downtown Bucksport, Fort Knox, and the Penobscot Narrows Observatory. 

 

Help Us Save the Steeple!

We need your help. The hall is a priceless piece of Winterport’s history, but rescuing it is going to take resources. $100,000 will help us create a beautiful space for visitors and community members to connect, work, gather and learn in historic Winterport. Your support also helps local Winterport businesses, as our rewards are all Winterport-made. Select an investment level and help us save the steeple!

 


 

The Campaign FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (others will be added as they come up):

  • Why would you buy a church? A question I get asked, a lot! I love old buildings and renovation projects. The creativity and physical work feed my soul in a way that nothing else (except my children) does! This particular building was last a church in 1992. From there, it passed into private hands and was used as what I have been told was best described as a man-cave. An apartment was created out of what used to be the church kitchen and choir rooms. Then it became a music store and community gathering place known as Kaler Street Music Hall.   When I came across the building, it had been unused for nearly a decade. I saw a beautiful building that needed to be brought back to life. It's been 6 years and I call this place my last "baby". I'm excited to share the journey with you!
  • Where is Crooked Steeple Hall? Crooked Steeple Hall is located in Winterport, Maine - the only Winterport in the world! We are steps from the Penobscot River. Winterport is an excellent central jumping-off point to enjoy Acadia National Park, the Bangor area, DownEast, the mid-coastal towns of Belfast, Camden, and Rockland - and everywhere in-between!
  • How old is the building? It was built in 1850, making it 169 years old this year. Our bell was cast in 1872 by Blake & Co, a foundry originally owned by Paul Revere.
  • How many people can sleep in the Crooked Steeple Hall suite? 4 people can sleep comfortably in the Crooked Steeple Hall suite. 
  • How many people can Crooked Steeple Hall accommodate? A maximum of 250 guests depending on seating and layout. We also have space in the Vestry, our intimate ground-level lounge, which can hold up to 100.
  • What are you using the money for? As you can imagine, fixing an old church building, complete with tin walls, tin ceilings, a bell, and a steeple, takes a lot of work and money! I've been doing most of the work myself, with the help of friends, local volunteers, and boot-strapping with my own money. I'm forever grateful for all the help and want this space to be one the community and its visitors cherish for a long time to come. The money will be used to ensure the building is updated, safe, and a comfortable space for all types of events. To get it there, we need the help of professionals - electricans, plumbers, engineers, carpenters. We also need paint - lots of it!!! This is a big space with tin walls and a tin ceiling. All will need special primer and paint. Then there is a the steeple, which needs a boom truck or lift to reach. Our rewards also feature products from local Winterport businesses. Your contribution helps support our community in many ways!
  • How can I help? Contributing to our campaign, helps not only finish the building, it also supports our local businesses. Sharing our campaign online or even by telling a friend, helps us spread the word! If you are local and want to paint, help clean up, hammer some nails, or just cheer us on, we would love your support!

 

 

Kendra Sevilimedu
10/08/2019
Winterport Giftpack
$35
10/01/2019
Tea & Coffee for Two
$50
Nancy Myshrall
08/27/2019
Tea & Coffee for Two
$100
Peter Swanberg
08/06/2019
Postcard, Sticker, 1 Bag CSH exclusive
$100
08/06/2019
Postcard, Sticker, 1 Bag CSH exclusive
$50
Monetary Contribution

Support the town of Winterport, Maine by helping preserve this historic building. Learn about our Community Commitment - our promise to all non-profits that use of the building is on us! We believe in businesses supporting their local community. Crooked Steeple Hall is located in the heart of our historic village, across the street from the Winterport Union Meeting House. Located on the banks of the Penobscot River, the two buildings offer a unique gathering space like no where else in New England.

1000 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
20.00 USD
Social Media Shout-out

It's what I'm good at! I will incorporate you or your company (or anyone you choose) into our Instagram story, on our website's Thank you page, and send you a Crooked Steeple Postcard with a handwritten note.

Value: Priceless

1000 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
30.00 USD
Winterport Giftpack

A postcard featuring a one-of-a-kind watercolor painting of Crooked Steeple Hall by an artist who stayed in the Crooked Steeple Suite, an “I Saved the Steeple” Sticker, and your choice of a fun Knotty Goat Soap, handmade in right here Winterport. You will be supporting the steeple and our local Winterport businesses. 

 Your choice of soap includes:

  • Knotty Goat - sea clay face soap
  • Chocolate Therapy
  • Tropical Goataway
  • Horny Goat
  • Shades of Goat - with Tea Maineia Earl Grey Tea
99 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Tea & Coffee for Two

Your Tea & Coffee for Two includes an exclusive 5 x 7”  watercolor of Crooked Steeple, painted by an artist who stayed in the suite,  An “I Saved the Steeple” Sticker, 1 Bag of  Crooked Steeple Hall organic, fair trade coffee, locally roasted by Farm House Coffee Roasters and 1 bag of Winterport Breakfast tea blend from our local tea house, Tea Maineia

496 Left
4 Supporters
Select this reward
300.00 USD
Sleep In

(A $450 Value)

1 night stay at Crooked Steeple Hall for 4 guests. Share a memorable evening with a selection of local beverages and a local smoked charcuterie platter. Wake up the next morning to tea, coffee and baked goods from our local bakery. 

 

200 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
1,000.00 USD
Name A Pew

Remember someone you've lost or promote your business with a metal plaque on one of our 10 original pews that will provide additional seating inside Crooked Steeple Hall. 

10 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
5,000.00 USD
Make It Your Own

Get exclusive use of the hall Thursday-Sunday, with accommodations for 4 included. Throw a party, host a retreat, do some yoga, dance like no one is watching. What you do is up to you.

0 Supporters
Select this reward
8,500.00 USD
Relax and Recharge

Enjoy a relaxing 3 Day/2 Night retreat for you and as many as 5 friends.

0 Supporters
Select this reward
10,000.00 USD
Say I Do

Hold your wedding or other special event at Crooked Steeple Hall. Includes a 4 day and 3 night stay at 812 Pierce, Union Meeting House for as many as 18 guests. 

0 Supporters
Select this reward
20,000.00 USD
Party LIke It's 1999!

Party LIke It's 1999!

We'll help you host an unforgettable party.  

0 Supporters
Select this reward
50,000.00 USD
Dream Maine Wedding

Plan a wedding that's everything you've dreamed of and more with help from Wedding and Events Director, Elishia Townsend. 

1 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100,000.00 USD
Fantasy Coastal Wedding

Plan your perfect day with help from Wedding and Events Director, Elishia Townsend.

1 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Winterport, ME
Created 1 Campaign
Social Good

Rewards

Monetary Contribution

Support the town of Winterport, Maine by helping preserve this historic building. Learn about our Community Commitment - our promise to all non-profits that use of the building is on us! We believe in businesses supporting their local community. Crooked Steeple Hall is located in the heart of our historic village, across the street from the Winterport Union Meeting House. Located on the banks of the Penobscot River, the two buildings offer a unique gathering space like no where else in New England.

1000 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
20.00 USD
Social Media Shout-out

It's what I'm good at! I will incorporate you or your company (or anyone you choose) into our Instagram story, on our website's Thank you page, and send you a Crooked Steeple Postcard with a handwritten note.

Value: Priceless

1000 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
30.00 USD
Winterport Giftpack

A postcard featuring a one-of-a-kind watercolor painting of Crooked Steeple Hall by an artist who stayed in the Crooked Steeple Suite, an “I Saved the Steeple” Sticker, and your choice of a fun Knotty Goat Soap, handmade in right here Winterport. You will be supporting the steeple and our local Winterport businesses. 

 Your choice of soap includes:

  • Knotty Goat - sea clay face soap
  • Chocolate Therapy
  • Tropical Goataway
  • Horny Goat
  • Shades of Goat - with Tea Maineia Earl Grey Tea
99 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Tea & Coffee for Two

Your Tea & Coffee for Two includes an exclusive 5 x 7”  watercolor of Crooked Steeple, painted by an artist who stayed in the suite,  An “I Saved the Steeple” Sticker, 1 Bag of  Crooked Steeple Hall organic, fair trade coffee, locally roasted by Farm House Coffee Roasters and 1 bag of Winterport Breakfast tea blend from our local tea house, Tea Maineia

496 Left
4 Supporters
Select this reward
300.00 USD
Sleep In

(A $450 Value)

1 night stay at Crooked Steeple Hall for 4 guests. Share a memorable evening with a selection of local beverages and a local smoked charcuterie platter. Wake up the next morning to tea, coffee and baked goods from our local bakery. 

 

200 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
1,000.00 USD
Name A Pew

Remember someone you've lost or promote your business with a metal plaque on one of our 10 original pews that will provide additional seating inside Crooked Steeple Hall. 

10 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
5,000.00 USD
Make It Your Own

Get exclusive use of the hall Thursday-Sunday, with accommodations for 4 included. Throw a party, host a retreat, do some yoga, dance like no one is watching. What you do is up to you.

0 Supporters
Select this reward
8,500.00 USD
Relax and Recharge

Enjoy a relaxing 3 Day/2 Night retreat for you and as many as 5 friends.

0 Supporters
Select this reward
10,000.00 USD
Say I Do

Hold your wedding or other special event at Crooked Steeple Hall. Includes a 4 day and 3 night stay at 812 Pierce, Union Meeting House for as many as 18 guests. 

0 Supporters
Select this reward
20,000.00 USD
Party LIke It's 1999!

Party LIke It's 1999!

We'll help you host an unforgettable party.  

0 Supporters
Select this reward
50,000.00 USD
Dream Maine Wedding

Plan a wedding that's everything you've dreamed of and more with help from Wedding and Events Director, Elishia Townsend. 

1 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100,000.00 USD
Fantasy Coastal Wedding

Plan your perfect day with help from Wedding and Events Director, Elishia Townsend.

1 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward