Cavendish Universalist Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cavendish Universalist Church
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 Location in Vermont
Location in the United States
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| Location | VT 131, Cavendish, Vermont |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1844 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Vernacular Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000252 |
| Added to NRHP | April 24, 1973 |
The Cavendish Universalist Church is a really old and special church building located on Vermont Route 131 in Cavendish, Vermont. It was built way back in 1844 by skilled stonemasons who came from Scotland. What makes it unique is the special way its stone walls were built, using a style called "snecked ashlar." This building method is quite rare in Vermont! Because of its history and unique style, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
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About the Church Building
The Cavendish Universalist Church stands on the north side of Vermont Route 131. It's just a short distance north of the Cavendish Baptist Church.
What the Church Looks Like
This church is a single-story building. It has a pointed roof, which is called a gabled roof. On top, there's a two-part square tower made of wood. This tower has an open belfry, which is where bells would usually be.
The walls of the church are built from local fieldstone. These stones are put together in a special way called "snecked ashlar". Imagine stones laid in rows, where bigger blocks are mixed with flatter, thinner slabs. Thick lines of mortar separate these stone rows.
The front of the church looks the same on both sides. It has tall windows with many small glass panes. There's a double door in the middle, and another window right above it. The most noticeable fancy parts are on the tower. Its corners have decorative columns, called pilasters, on both levels.
How the Church Was Built
The Cavendish Universalist Church was built in 1844. It was likely constructed by Scottish stonemasons. These skilled workers had moved to the area about ten years earlier from Canada.
Local historians believe that these Scottish builders are why the church looks so unusual. This special building style is found in this church and a few other buildings nearby. You can only find this unique stonework in southeastern Windsor County, Vermont. Today, the local historical society owns the building.
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