The Jonathan Fisher House Memorial and the Blue Hill Public Library will host a symposium on Sunday, July 22nd, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the library, on the subject of religious divides in Fisher's time and beyond. Several experts will be on hand to discuss various aspects of this history.

Michael McVaugh, board member at the Fisher House, will speak about the division in Blue Hill that resulted in a significant percentage of Jonathan Fisher's congregation leaving to form the Blue Hill Baptist Church. Gary Vencill, retired pastor and also a board member, will give broader historical background from the early nineteenth century on the divisions that took place in the Blue Hill and Castine Congregational Churches. Alison Dibble will talk about what was happening on the Baptist side of the divide, and Lynn Parsons will speak on the schism in Castine that resulted in the formation of a Unitarian Church there.

Following an intermission, there will be a panel featuring Lutheran minister Elaine Hewes, Episcopal priest Emily Blair Stribling, & United Methodist pastor Vicki Woods with of a discussion of schisms happening, or threatening to happen, in denominations today.

There will be a reception at 4:00, following the symposium, at the Fisher House on the Mines Road in Blue Hill. Light refreshments and tours of the house will be offered. This event is cosponsored by the Fisher House Memorial and the Blue Hill Public Library. There is no charge and everyone is welcome. For more information, call the library at 374-5515.