Union Meetinghouse (Ferrisburg, Vermont) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Union Meetinghouse
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 Location in Vermont
Location in the United States
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| Location | U.S. 7, Ferrisburg, Vermont |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1840 |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000227 |
| Added to NRHP | February 23, 1978 |
The Union Meetinghouse is a very old church in Ferrisburg, Vermont. You can find it on United States Route 7. This building was finished in 1840. It mixes different styles, like the old Federal period and the fancy Gothic Revival look. Because it's so special, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Today, it is known as the Ferrisburg Community Church.
Contents
What Does the Union Meetinghouse Look Like?
The Union Meetinghouse is a key building in the small town center of Ferrisburg. It faces west, right where U.S. 7 meets Middlebrook Road.
Building Materials and Shape
This church is a two-story building made of brick. It has a pointed roof and a strong foundation made of limestone. The bricks are laid in a pattern called American bond.
The Bell Tower and Windows
A tall bell tower stands on top of the roof. This tower is a copy of the original one, which was sadly burned in 1976. The tower has a belfry, which is where the bells are. This part has special arched openings with decorative details. The front of the church looks balanced and even. It has two double doors with a tall, arched window in the middle. This window has beautiful patterns, typical of Gothic style. Smaller Gothic windows are above the doors. You can also see similar windows on the sides of the building.
Inside the Church
When the church was first built, it had special seating called box pews. These were like small, enclosed boxes for families to sit in. However, these were changed later in the 1800s. The church was updated to have more open, auditorium-style seating, like many churches today.
History of the Union Meetinghouse
The Union Meetinghouse was built in 1840. It was designed to be a shared space for different religious groups in Ferrisburg. This was a common idea at the time.
How the Church Was Used
The main structure and size of the building are similar to older churches from the Federal period. The Gothic windows were a newer, more fashionable detail for that time. Over the years, many of the different religious groups built their own churches. Because of this, fewer people used the Union Meetinghouse.
The Town Takes Over
In 1898, the town of Ferrisburg bought the building. This helped to keep the historic meetinghouse safe and cared for.
See Also
