FARMINGTON — The Farmington Historical Society celebrates Farmington’s history by introducing a coffee mug each year. This year’s is the fourth mug of a five-year series. The newest mug features the watercolor print “Village Church in Farmington Falls,” by C.R. (Bob) Tyler.

The mugs are available for $14.95 at Sugarwood Gallery and the Calico Patch, both on Broadway Street in downtown Farmington. Shipping is also available. For information, email btdavis@beeline-online.net.

Each mug features a print from Tyler, once a well known Farmington artist who worked for Knowlton & McLeary Printing for 35 years. Tyler, who lived from 1918-2000, was an active historical society member and captured Farmington’s history by painting scenes from early images.

The Union Church was built in 1826 and has been known as the Union Meeting House or Union Church. The building accommodated five different denominations and is Farmington’s oldest standing religious structure.

The church was placed on the National Historic Register in 1972. It is described as having exemplary workmanship and “is a rare example of 18th century form with Federal style details.” The landowners on either side, Elnathan Pope and Thomas Blake, each donated one-half acre of land. Interestingly, the deed was recorded two years after the meeting house was raised. Early names associated with the meeting house include: Croswell, Prescott, Russ, Butler, Morrill, Pope and Blake.

In 1853, an act by the Maine State Legislature approved changes to the building, the first changes in 27 years. The pew-owners agreed to change the pulpit from the west end to the east end, turn the pews, add wing pews on each side of the pulpit and add arms to the pews.

In 1897, horse sheds were added at a cost of $152.06 and pew cushions for $54.86. Major renovations occurred to the steeple, roof and under pinnings in 1916, preserving the building for many more decades. Other renovations occurred in 1940 and 1976, helping to keep this early structure in good condition.