Fryeburg Thursday Big Book Group
Thursday's 4:00 pm
ST ELIZABETH ANN SETON CHURCH
Route 5
Fryeburg
Big Book/Handicapped Accessible

The Fryeburg Thursday Big Book Meeting started in January of 1983 at the Fryeburg Health Care Center.  A major reason for starting a group at the Health Care Center was that the late Harriet T. became a resident and it was difficult for her to get to meetings outside the facility.  Jean M., an employee and AA member thought it would be a good idea to have an AA meeting on the facility in order to support Harriet and others in the area.  The early afternoon time was chosen to accommodate the resident. 
 
The Administrator was approached for permission to use Jean's office on the lower level for a weekly meeting.  He agreed with the conditions and a monthly $10.00 rental was settled on.
 
Attendance at first the meeting was very small.  Sometimes only Harriet and Jean, but it was AA and the word got around drawing others into the circle.  It was an open discussion meeting and four months later Harriet died sober. 
 
Over the years 3-4 other residents of the facility have been able to attend meetings at various times.
 
Clarence H. was an early charter member and used to supply real half & half and freshly brewed coffee for our meeting.  Clarence moved to Florida and passed away in the last few years.  He is still very missed at our meeting.
 
The office space could accommodate up to about 30 people maximum but generally attendance was a small group of 3-4 or up to 15 at any give time. 
 
The meeting was originally a smoking meeting and judged to be a very comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.  Over the years the meeting has drawn many visitors and regulars.  Friendships and AA bonding developed very well at this meeting.
 
After a few years the suggestion was made to change the meeting to a Big Book Open Discussion meeting.  The group took a group conscience vote and the change took place.  The meeting still has this format today.
 
The next suggestion was to change the meeting to a non-smoking meeting.  Again a group conscience vote was taken and this is also the way it is today.
 
In 2001, because of availability of space at the Fryeburg Health Care Center, the meeting moved to a new location.  The Catholic Church in the area, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church on Route 5.
 
Today, the meeting continues to draw regulars from the local community and frequent visitors from surrounding towns.  We have lots of visitors from out of state.  Good recovery is represented and real coffee is still brewed and served.
 
The meeting is well structured and within the guidelines of the Traditions.  Dedicated members open each week and the group continues to support AA as a whole with the weekly donations.