People from near and far attend the annual nondenominational service at the Penley Corner Church in Auburn on Sunday. The church opens the doors on the second Sunday in July to host its one yearly service. Capt. John Penley built the church in 1833. Six of his descendents, some from as far away as New Jersey, attended Sunday’s service. The Rev. Michael Ring of Mechanic Falls led the service. 

Henry Penley, left, of New Jersey and Edward Staples of Norway collect Bibles to put away into storage following the one service held each year at the Penley Corner Church in Auburn on Sunday.

The Rev. Michael Ring of Mechanic Falls delivers the sermon, “The Gold in the Golden Rule,” at Penley Corner Church in Auburn on Sunday. Ring emphasized the importance of treating others the way you would like to be treated. Capt. John Penley, pictured in the background, built the church as a meetinghouse in 1833. 

From left, Maureen (Penley) Poisson of Jay, Louise Parker of Livermore Falls, Bill Sylvester of Auburn and Edward Staples of Norway chat following the Sunday afternoon service at Penley Corner Church in Auburn. Poisson is a fourth-generation descendent of Capt. John Penley, who build the church in 1833. Her parents, Maurice and Lorraine, are buried in the church cemetery next door. 

Marge Muise of Auburn puts her flute away following the service at Penley Corner Church in Auburn on Sunday. Muise has been playing piano and the flute during the once-a-year service for the past 10 years. 

Money from Sunday’s collection will be used for maintenance and upkeep, said Bill Sylvester, who keeps an eye on the church and cemetery. The Penley Corner Church and Cemetery Association is a nonprofit organization. 

David Penley of Cape Elizabeth listens to Sunday’s sermon at the Penley Corner Church in Auburn. 

People sing as Marge Muise plays the piano during the once-a-year service at the Penley Corner Church in Auburn on Sunday.