Union Church (New Haven, Vermont) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Union Church
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 Location in Vermont
Location in the United States
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| Location | Jct. of River Rd. and East St., New Haven, Vermont |
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| Area | 1.2 acres (0.49 ha) |
| Built | 1851 |
| Architect | Case, Eastman |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 00000829 |
| Added to NRHP | July 20, 2000 |
The Union Church, also known as the Union Church of New Haven Mills, is a very old church building. It is located where River Road and East Street meet in New Haven, Vermont. This church was built in 1851. It is a great example of Greek Revival architecture, with some Queen Anne style details added later. The Union Church is one of the oldest buildings still standing in what used to be a busy mill village. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the year 2000.
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Discovering the Union Church's Design
The Union Church stands out in the middle of New Haven Mills village. This village is in the central-eastern part of New Haven, Vermont. It used to be a small industrial area, but now it is mostly rural. The church is a single-story building made of wood. It has a pointed roof and its outside walls are covered with clapboards.
Architectural Features of the Church
A small square tower rises above the church roof. This tower has an open bell area and a pyramid-shaped roof. The corners of the building have flat, column-like decorations called pilasters. These pilasters go up to a decorative band called an entablature that goes all around the building. The front of the church has a triangular gable, like a classic Greek temple.
The front of the church is quite simple. The main entrance is in the center, set back slightly. It has pilasters on each side and a decorative top with a cornice. Inside the church, the main room has rows of its original wooden benches, called pews. The only light inside comes from old kerosene lamps. The ceiling is made of pressed metal, which was added in the late 1800s.
The Union Church's Rich History
The Union Church was built in 1851 for a group of people who had formed a church community way back in 1797. Before this building was constructed, they met in different places. By the 1840s, New Haven Mills was a busy industrial hub. The New Haven River was lined with many sawmills, gristmills, and other factories.
Who Built the Church?
Eastman Case, a skilled local builder, constructed the church. He used ideas from other churches in the area for some parts of the design. He also used designs published by a famous architect named Asher Benjamin. This helped create the church's unique look.
Surviving Through Time
Sadly, most of the factories and shops in New Haven Mills were destroyed. Fires and floods in the early 1900s caused a lot of damage. However, the Union Church survived these events. Today, it stands as one of the most important and well-known landmarks left in the village. It reminds everyone of the village's past.
See also
