Photograph courtesy of Maine Art Glass Studio, Lisbon, ME
History
St. Michael's was founded as the Mission of the Heavenly Rest in 1890 and became a parish in 1920. The current 'Washburn Room,' which adjoins the sanctuary is a remodeled version of the cottage where the first priest lived. A major renovation took place in 1960, which included placing a foundation under the main church building. This new space became a parish hall, sacristy, and kitchen. A further addition of several classrooms and a new meeting room was undertaken in 1990 in recognition of the church's centennial.
Location
St. Michael's is located on Pleasant Street, a way one street off of Court Street in the city of Auburn. Pleasant Street is located between High Street and Spring Street. As you approach, the driveway is located before the church building. It is the first church on the left side of the street -- a maroon colored building. (If you come to the white Congregational Church, you have passed us, please go around the block and try again. Come and find us, it's worth it.)
On Sunday mornings there is parking in the lot to the side of the building and at the law offices across the street. During the week, please park only in the lot to the side of the building. The house located across the driveway is a private home.
Although Auburn's population is about 23,000, the 'Twin Cities' of Lewiston and Auburn (separated by the Androscoggin River) number about 60,000 people. The Twin Cities have excellent public and parochial elementary and secondary schools as well as several colleges and post-secondary schools. Health care services are provided by two area hospitals. Long term residential health care services are met by several nursing homes, hospice facilities, and retirement communities.
The community lies about half way between Portland and Augusta, and is about a 45 minute drive to either the coast or the mountains. Auburn boasts a small ski resort of its own plus two beautiful lakes, both used for year round recreation. The arts flourish here with concerts by the Maine Music Society, L-A Arts, and other organizations. In the summer, a "Festival De Joie" celebrates the area's Franco-American heritage, and the annual Balloon Festival brings hot air balloons from all over the country.
