From collection Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Company Collection
M.C.A. Building - University of Maine, Orono, Maine B12
Image of the rear of the M.C.A. (Maine Christian Association) in the late1940s, a two-story gabled-roof house with a mid-20th century ell, partly obscured by copious shrubbery. The Wilson Center / MCA is a multifaith, ecumenical, and progressive nonprofit organization that has served the University of Maine community for over 100 years. Originally named the Maine Christian Association, this organization was a progressive ministry for Protestant students at the University of Maine, though from its early days often included Catholic, Jewish, and atheist/humanist students as well. The MCA has welcomed and celebrated the LGBTQ+ community since the early 1970’s and has advocated for the ordination of LGBTQ clergy since the 1980’s. In 1983, the MCA Board of Directors voted to name our building The Wilson Center after Dorothy Clarke Wilson and her husband The Rev. Elwin Wilson, both of whom helped shape the mission of the organization into one that incorporates ministries of peace and justice.
