The Williston-West Church and Parish House stand in Portland West End, on the west side of Thomas Street, occupying the north half of the block between Carroll and Clifford Streets. The church, standing at the corner of Carroll and Thomas, is a somewhat irregularly shaped complex, dominated by a square three-story tower at the street corner. The walls are buttressed, and lined with Gothic-arched windows, with a large rose window in the main facade. Separated from the church by a courtyard to its south is the parish house, a two-story brick building of compatible style.[2]
Early 20th century postcard
The church complex is unusual for containing works separated in time by two of the city's most prominent architects. Francis H. Fassett was the city's leading architect in the mid-19th century, and mentored John Calvin Stevens in his early years. The church is also of historical note, for it was here that Francis Edward Clark established Christian Endeavor, a non-denominational youth ministry that is now international in its scope.[2]
With its congregation declining in size, the Williston-West Church was merged in 2011 with the Immanuel Baptist-American Baptist Churches to form the Williston-Immanuel Church, which meets in a church on High Street.[3] The church property was then sold to a developer. In 2014 the property was involved in a rezoning lawsuit in which the city of Portland eventually prevailed in the state supreme court.[4] It housed the offices of Majella Global Technologies.
