Gorham Outreach Group History

The Gorham Outreach Group was started way before 1970 when I first came in.  Ernie T. (deceased) got or helped get it started at St. Ann’s Church in Gorham.

 I believe it was in 1973 when word came around that the 4 members of the group were drinking but still opening the door and the coffee was on.  Three guys and a gal.

 This was brought up at a Portland group business meeting and no one would believe it.  So I went there and low and behold it was true.  Well …. Bless them.

 Talked the situation up and Carlton M., Nono G., Clyde B. had a business meeting to help and got Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, Portland, Gorham and Westbrook to come and support the group.  Collected extra money and paid up the bills.  The group, two months later, moved to First Parish Hall.

 Ellie M.’s first meeting was at St. Anne’s.  She became a very active member when it moved.  She saw Mercedes McCambridge on TV regarding AA and this was very new to everyone.  I remember letters being written about this in regard to the Traditions.  However, she really brought women out of their homes and into AA.  I recently called Ellie and she is still sober.

 The original 4 members who were drinking got sober at the First Parish Church.  I was so happy about that and became a service member.

 The group always was a discussion group and after a while it became stale as we tired of each other’s stories.  There was a husband and wife team who worked very hard in service work.  I do not remember their names.  I suggested the first Friday of every month be a speaker’s meeting and it was accepted and it worked and the group grew again.

 The group meets today at the U.S.M. Campus at Gorham, Bailey Hall, Room #102, 8:00-9:00 PM.  The books say the group anniversary is April 7, 1975.