MECHANIC FALLS — In a move to raise funds to assist in the renovation of the Mechanic Falls Historical Society building, the society is offering 12 sections of church pews of the former home of the First Congregational Church for sale. The pews date back to 1848 when the building was erected.

The intended purpose of the sale of the pews is twofold.

First, it will create more space in order to provide additional area for the display of the historical and archival material and records of the town and area dating back from the early 1800s, when Mechanic Falls was part of Poland and Minot.

Secondly, the sale of the pews will fund necessary repairs to one of the oldest still-standing structures in the town.

Each pew section is 92 3/4  inches long, 15 3/8 inches wide and 33 1/2 inches high. The seat and back are believed to pine, while the arm on each section is a different wood.

Interested buyers may contact society president, Matt Gary, at 740-0040 or Eriks Petersons at 345-3134 or email nepesons@myfairpoint.net for more information or to arrange an appointment to view the pews.

On Saturday, Nov. 2, a member of the society will be at the historical society between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for those interested in viewing the pews.

Ten rows of pews will still remain intact in the sanctuary for public seating at historical society events and other activities.