On September 26, 2026, Pilgrim Lodge was honored to host a visit from representatives from Pride’s Corner Congregational Church United Church of Christ including Mike, Sonja and Joe Gately, Rachel, Corie and Paul McCarthy and Alissa Halloway. In the presence of participants from Women’s Fall Weekend and staff members from Pilgrim Lodge, Mike shared that “after prayerful consideration, discernment, and deep reflection on our journey, our congregation has made the difficult decision to close our doors.” Mike went on to explain that members of their congregation had made the choice to disperse the funds from the sale of their church to non-profit organizations “whose values and vision align deeply with our own.”
Mike shared that many members of Pride’s Corner across generations of their church life have benefited from experiences at Pilgrim Lodge as campers and contributed to the Outdoor Ministry program as volunteers. There is a long and robust history of connection shared. At the same time, members of the church feel excited about the sense of purpose and direction of Pilgrim Lodge as the camp continues to welcome campers from UCC churches across Maine and New England while expanding its invitation to families who may not have a connection to a church, finding the values of Pilgrim Lodge aligned with camp opportunities that they are seeking for their children. They are pleased to know that Pilgrim Lodge is creating an inclusive environment for other organizations to hold meaningful programs in its space from expanding the welcome to groups that host Buddhist meditation retreats to Tree Street Youth in Lewiston, ensuring equity of access for young people from urban environments to benefit from time spent outdoors at camp.
Announcing that, “it is our absolute privilege to support your vital work as part of this legacy distribution,” Mike presented a donation of $400,000 to Pilgrim Lodge on behalf of Pride’s Corner Congregational Church. Pilgrim Lodge Director, Liz Charles McGough, together with Assistant Director, Lydia Hoffman, was honored to receive the gift. The room was filled with sadness and celebration, history and hope as those assembled rose to their feet in celebration of this profound announcement. Liz thanked the members of Pride’s Corner on behalf of Pilgrim Lodge staff, the Pilgrim Lodge Leadership Team and the Maine Conference UCC Board of Directors, a variety of whom were present to witness the sharing of generosity and connection. Liz noted that the Pilgrim Lodge is part of the history of Pride’s Corner just as Prides’ Corner is woven into the story of Pilgrim Lodge. To note the connections present in the room was a small testament to the breadth and depth of relationship over many decades. Liz shared, “We share in your grief and honor the process that led to the closure of your church. At the same time, we give thanks for trusting us to carry forward your legacy in our program at Pilgrim Lodge on behalf of all those we serve here.”
For a small organization, a gift of this magnitude has the power to be truly transformational for Pilgrim Lodge. The Pilgrim Lodge Leadership Team will have the honor and responsibility of discerning how best to use this gift in service to further the mission and vision of Pilgrim Lodge. We give thanks for the generosity and support of the members of Pride’s Corner Congregational Church. As you shared with your gift, “while this marks the end of an era for our church building and weekly gatherings, we firmly believe that the true spirit of the church does not reside in its physical structure, but in the lasting good accomplished through its people and resources.” We look forward to exploring the new life that these resources will bring to Pilgrim Lodge and sharing the story with you along the way.
