HARRISON – Cleanup efforts continue at the fire-damaged church of the United Parish of Harrison and Bridgton.

“Our minister has reminded us that the church is the people, not the building, and we are carrying on our worship and church activities as close to usual as possible,” Joanne Sullivan, administrative assistant to the Rev. Franklin Anderson, said in a  e-mail to the Sun Journal.

Town Manager Bud Finch recently said it was a combination of grit and luck that saved the 1871 structure at 77 Main St. over Labor Day Weekend.

The fire was discovered shortly after 6 a.m. Sept. 1 when a woman who was opening up the church for a community breakfast saw smoke billowing out. She immediately shut the door and called 911.

Officials know the fire started in the kitchen where the dehumidifier and dishwasher are and believe it was electrical in nature. They don’t know when it began but they do know when it was hottest.

“At 20 minutes of four (in the morning) the clock stopped” in the basement, Finch said.

Worship services and Sunday school continue to be held at the Harrison Fire Station community room, beginning at 10 a.m.

“The town and our neighbors at the Seventh-day Adventist Church have been very generous to allow us to use their buildings,” she said.

Numerous other organizations, such as AA and the Recreation Department’s monthly senior socials, are also being accommodated elsewhere.

Although the fire was contained, the smoke damage was heavy throughout the building, even in rooms and closets with closed doors, Sullivan said.

“Damage figures are not yet available. However, the church has good insurance coverage on the building, but a rather low coverage on the contents,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan said church treasurer Gerry Smith has been acting as the liaison between Hanover Insurance Co. of New Hampshire and ServPro of Lewiston-Auburn, which is doing the cleanup.

The cleanup includes removing all the ceiling tiles in the vestry and the insulation above, gutting the kitchen, cleaning the ceiling area in the sanctuary, the massive organ pipes, stained glass windows and chandeliers. The pews are washed multiple times to remove every evidence of soot.

Sullivan said the church office is not open yet, but the telephone is working and has an updated message. Anyone wishing to reach the minister or needs information should call 583-4840 and leave a message.

“Someone will return your call,” Sullivan said.

ldixon@sunjournal.com