First Congregational Church (Orwell, Vermont)
|
First Congregational Church | |
 Orwell Congregational Church, February 2011 | |
  | |
| Location | 464 Main St., Orwell, Vermont |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 43°48′15″N 73°18′3″W / 43.80417°N 73.30083°WCoordinates: 43°48′15″N 73°18′3″W / 43.80417°N 73.30083°W |
| Area | 1.1 acres (0.45 ha) |
| Built | 1843 |
| Architect | Bostwick, Frederick and Fobes |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| MPS | Religious Buildings, Sites and Structures in Vermont MPS |
| NRHP Reference # | 01000210[1] |
| Added to NRHP | March 02, 2001 |
First Congregational Church (or Orwell Congregational Church) is a historic church at 464 Main Street in Orwell, Vermont.
The current meeting house was built in 1843 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
History
The church is an independent congregation "gathered" in 1789. The imposing brick building was built by the membership, and retains much of its original form. The sanctuary windows, originally clear glass, began to be replaced by stained glass memorial windows in the late 19th century. One, the Children's Window, is unique in New England, as it was paid for by the children of the Sunday School in memory of other children of the church. The stained glass windows are not simply colored glass, but traditional stained glass windows, which illustrate Bible stories and teaching, such as Jesus and the children, the Trinity,and more. The sanctuary, which seats approximately 350, has its original pews, many of which were originally "family pews", purchased or rented by members of the church when the building was built. As recently as the late 20th century, some members still sat in their family's traditional pew, although the seating is now open to all. The fine acoustics lend themselves to organ concerts, congregational singing and makes easier preaching from the large Victorian pulpit. Music has long been a hallmark of the church, with organists serving for many years at the fine Hook-Tracker organ, built in the 1860s and restored in the early 1990s. This small instrument of only 16 stops two keyboards (including the pedal board)is nonetheless a versatile instrument. The church's parsonage, at the corner of Main and Church Streets, was built ca. 1825, originally in the shape of a cross, but the two additional wings have since been removed.[2]
References
- ↑ Staff (2009-03-13). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
- ↑ http://www.uvm.edu/histpres/HPJ/NR/orwell/Orwellhist.html
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
