On New Year’s Eve, yet another Biddeford landmark closed its doors forever. In 2009 it was St. Mary’s Church (where I myself was married), and in 2010 we bid adieu to St. André’s Church on Bacon Street. Scholar and journalist (and Biddeford native) Jane Martin has produced a personal and poignant look at the church and how it touched her family and generation in particular. It aired on the CBC’s C’est La Vie program, and you can listen to it yourself above.
Biddeford is moving in a positive direction in many ways, but let us never forget where we came from nor forget those institutions that created and sustained this community for so many years. A memorial video is being produced by the congregation, and will eventually be available to the public here at the library. The St. Mary’s video already is.
The Backblog 
I have no idea about the fate of the organ, but if I hear any news about it I’ll make a note to post it here. Thank you for your comment! -Renee
I was saddened to learn of the closing of St. Andre’s. I used to take care of the Casavant pipe organ in the 2nd gallery. I hope they allow its removal so that some other church wanting a pipe organ might enjoy the music it still has to offer.
Here is the direct link to Ms. Martin’s story for the CBC: http://www.cbc.ca/cestlavie/episode/2011/07/31/july-31st-2011/. Perhaps you can access contact information through the show, sorry we don’t have her information to give out. Good luck!
I went to St. Anselm College and knew Jane Martin when she was there for only a couple years in the late 1980s. I lost track of her years ago and would love to get in contact. I can find no instances of her on Facebook or on Google. If anyone knows her, please pass along this information. Stephen E. Bardy at Bardswing@aol.com.