The Ice Storm of 1998 began on the morning of Thursday, January 8, 1998, and continued through January 9. It affected a very widespread area including all of northern New England and New York State, and was particulary devastating in Canada. The Winthrop area was very hard hit. People struggled for up to two weeks without electrical power or telephone service. Many had no heat. It was very difficult for many people who had no way to cook and food stored in refrigerators and freezers had to be removed. Families with small children and the elderly had to find places to stay where they could keep warm.On Saturday, January 10, the youth from the church wanted to do something to help. The church had electrical power so, under the leadership of Charlie and Kristine Longstaff they used the church kitchen to make cookies to be distributed at the Red Cross shelter that had been set up in the High School. On Sunday, following the worship service, a number of members of the Winthrop United Methodist Church decided to stay and work with the youth to prepare an evening meal for anyone who needed it. On Monday they returned and prepared a noon and and an evening meal. With additional voluteers from the church and others in the community, two meals a day were made available to anyone who came in the door for the next 12 days. The fellowship hall was open from 10:00 A.M.until 7:00 P.M. every day with hot coffee and a warm place to stay. Many came just because they felt a need to be with others during these times. It is estimated that between 2000 and 2400 meals were served during the 12 days that the kitchen was open.
Other members of the Winthrop United Methodist Church volunteered at the American Red Cross shelter that was established at the High School. The shelter provided over 6000 meals, blankets, and a variety of services to those in need during Ice Storm '98.
The Ice Storm of '98 is fading from our memories now, but those who were involved will always remember, not only the hardships suffered during the storm and its aftermath, but how members of our congregation came together and volunteered their time to help during a time of need, and the wonderful feeling that resulted from knowing that they were serving God as part of ". .a christian community that invites all people to participate in God's Love through Nurture, Outreach, and Witness."
An album of photos taken at the church following the Ice Storm of '98 captures the activity and the fellowship that existed at the Winthrop United Methodist Church during that time. Click here to view the Ice Storm '98 Photo Album.
Soon after the Ice Storm of '98 a group of people documented what happened to them during the storm and the time following it by putting together "Stories from Ice Storm '98". Susie Lunney described it as follows:
Ice Storm '98 is over and people are putting their lives back in order. We all have different experiences and stories to tell. Some of us felt it was important to set those stories down in writing. I volunteered to assist with that effort. I hope you will enjoy what you read here. The stories are from different perspectives and give a broad picture of the Red Cross Shelter and of our Church,We hope you will save this collection for future generations to learn from first-hand accounts how the Ice Storm of 1998 affected lives in Winthrop, Maine. Perhaps you can even add your own personal notes to these and tuck them away for your descendants.