The Friends of the Old Head Tide Church are hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the steeple restoration. The ribbon cutting is on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 3 p.m. at the Old Head Tide Church in Alna. Please park at the dam or along Head Tide Road. 

The Head Tide Church was dedicated on Nov. 21, 1838. Lightning struck the bell in 1962 and set fire to the front façade, including the steeple and half of the roof. The replacement spire, which was constructed in the 1960s, was not made to the original specifications. Additionally, this spire was not rebuilt correctly and failed in recent years.

Since 1955 the Old Head Tide Church Committee has maintained the church and welcomed visitors. For safety reasons, the Friends decided to remove the spire and reconstruct a new one, using the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) specifications returning the spire to its original size, shape, and sturdiness. Work started in July by Mid Maine Restoration. 

Funding for this project was provided by the Maine Steeples Fund, the Belvedere Fund, the Davis Family Foundation, and the Town of Alna, as well as the many individuals both near and far who have contributed to this project. The Friends are extremely grateful for all who have supported this significant restoration project.

Old Head Tide Church is located just off Head Tide Road (connecting Route 218 and Route 194) in Alna.  

For more information, please send an email to Headtidechurch@gmail.com.