Maccan United Baptist Church
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Historical Information
The Maccan Baptist Church was the first church to be constructed in Maccan. Built in 1844 by a small but ambitious congregation, the church is located facing the Maccan River This church was an architecturally significant structure for the local community. The earliest record of Baptist activity in the area is in 1827; however, it was not until 1844 that a true religious meeting house was established. The Maccan United Baptist Church was built with the typical design of the New England Style Meeting House, which was a characteristic design of the Baptists, Presbyterians, and Methodists of the period. This style is characterized by a medium pitched gable roof, the absence of a steeple and little ornamentation, which are hallmarks of Baptist church architecture. This style is often characterized by its small and rather plain facility, with no steeple, and gothic embellishments. The front entrance was often on the gable end, with either two entrances, one on the left and right sides of the front façade, one meant for the men and the other for women; or a centrally placed doorway. In this case there are two doorways, giving a hint to the type of mindset the original congregation had. The building has several striking features. the pitched gable roof has a front gable or temple plan and return eaves, pilasters flank the front entrance of the three front façade, and its original windows align both sides of the building.
The church was one the oldest in Cumberland County; however, in 2014 the church was dismantled and all that remains is the surrounding cemetery.
Information provided by Cumberland County Genealogical Society.