Methodist Episcopal Church (Stannard, Vermont) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Methodist-Episcopal Church
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Location | Stannard Mountain Rd., Stannard, Vermont |
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Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
Built | 1888 |
Architectural style | Victorian vernacular |
NRHP reference No. | 78000229 |
Added to NRHP | January 5, 1978 |
The Methodist-Episcopal Church, also called the Stannard-Greensboro Bend Methodist Church, is a very old and special building in Stannard, Vermont. It was built way back in 1888. This church is one of the few public buildings from the 1800s in this small town. It's a great example of "vernacular Victorian architecture," which means it's a Victorian-style building made with local materials and simple designs. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Contents
Exploring the Stannard Church's Design
The town of Stannard is a small, quiet place in northern Vermont. It's mostly a crossroads where Stannard Mountain Road and Lazy Mill Road meet, with houses spread out. The church is one of only two public buildings in this town center. You can find it on the south side of Stannard Mountain Road, just east of the main crossroads.
What the Church Looks Like
This church is a one-and-a-half-story building made of wood. It has a pointed, gabled roof and its outside walls are covered with clapboards. The whole building sits on a strong foundation made of granite. It's built in a style called Victorian vernacular, which means it uses popular Victorian designs but with simpler, local touches.
The Church's Unique Tower
A tall, square tower stands on the left front corner of the church. This tower has three main parts, or "stages." Each stage is separated by shingled skirts, which are like decorative bands. These skirts even have small, steeply sloped gables, which are tiny pointed roof sections.
The bottom part of the tower has another entrance door. The middle part has a narrow, louvered opening, which is a window with slanted slats. The top part of the tower holds the church bell, and it has two louvered openings side-by-side. The very top of the tower is covered by a pyramid-shaped roof. This roof is special because it has bands of slate shingles in different colors.
Front Entrance and Windows
The front of the church, called the main facade, has three sections. In the middle, you'll find the main entrance door. On either side of this door are windows. All the doors and windows are set inside Gothic-arched openings. This means the top of the openings are shaped like a pointed arch, a common design in old churches. Inside the church, almost nothing has changed since it was built.
A Look at the Church's History
The Methodist-Episcopal Church was built in 1888. It's one of the oldest public buildings in Stannard. The only other public building from that time is the nearby Stannard Schoolhouse, which is now used as the town hall.
How the Church Was Built
The land for the church was given by a local citizen. They had one important rule: the church had to be used for religious services at least once a year. This tradition continues even today! Every year, the church is used as part of an "old home day" celebration, bringing the community together.