St. Ann’s History

History of the Seaside Chapel

The chapel was constructed in 1974 in memory of Margaret Woodbury Strong of Rochester, NY and Kennebunk, ME, and designed by architect, James Sidord, of Albany, NY and Boothbay Harbor, ME. The outdoor cross was presented to St. Ann’s Church by the chaplain at the time and his wife, The Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Laman H. Bruner.

The benches have been gifted by various friends and families of St. Ann’s; their names are noted on brass plaques affixed to the ends of the benches. If you would like information about purchasing a plaque, please email Cyndi Magill.

St. Ann’s Rectory

The rectory was built in 1891 as a personal residence for the Nesmith family of Lowell, MA. It was purchased in 1910 by Arthur Atwater Kent, the noted inventor who, among other things, invented the first affordable radio and automobile ignition system. Kent named the home, “At Water’s Edge.” He subsequently acquired the land surrounding the home.

In 1970 a loan from the G.H. Walker Foundation made it possible for the church to purchase both the home and the property. The loan was repaid with a generous legacy gift from Mrs. Strong’s estate and from George Elliott (whose personal home had been used as the rectory prior to the church acquiring Atwater’s home).

The rectory has been restored and received modest renovations with an eye to preserving the original character and charm of this gracious summer home.