A Short History of
The Quechee Community Church

The Quechee Vermont Church was started by the Widow Marsh at her home, Marshland Farm, in December of 1830. More preparations had to be made, so it was postponed until January, 1831. Thus the First Congregational Church was organized.

A building to house it, now Meeting House Restoration, was finished in 1833. The building was donated by Daniel Marsh. Records of the cost were lost. The iron railings on either side were visible at one time. In the Gable was an Equilateral Triangle laid in the brick wall. This was a very religious symbol and can be seen from River Street. The building was used as a Church until 1869 when the members became disinterested and it was deserted. The Church was later sold to school district #3 and still later to the town for a school and was changed. The main floor was lowered and the second floor was built (much as it is today) to make the Village Hall.

The land for our Church was purchased of W.S. Carter, where a distillery or brewery formerly stood. It was known as the Shubal Russ place.

T.W. Silloway, a Boston architect, was employed in 1871. The building was started and the Church was completed. When our Church was built in 1873, it was completely finished, even to the bell installed in the belfry, weighing 1274 pounds. It was dedicated on May 23, 1873. On May 24, the pews were sold for $1,393.00. This sale terminated on December 1. The pews remained sold from then on until 1940, the price was not mentioned again.

Some minutes of interest and events:

On March 8, 1945, ten ladies banded together to form a Church Society to be known as the "Friendly Circle". They were to try in small ways to take the place of the "Quechee Ladies Aid Society", a band of dedicated women who for over 90 years, and sometimes as many members, had helped the church, the village, and the community in any way they could.

On November 12, 1947, the name "Quechee Congregational Society, Incorporated" was adopted.

At the candlelight service December 21, 1952, a brass cross was presented to the Church by the organist, and the choir. Later, the Friendly Circle and friends presented two matching Candlesticks. The cross and Candlesticks are sill there today.

In 1961, Rev. Earle Hand, who became our Pastor in 1957, brought up the subject of our Church joining the United Church of Christ. The UCC was formed on July 5, 1957. Rev. Hand read part of its constitution and stated he thought it would be a good plan to unite with the UCC. It was voted on and passed at the annual meeting of 1961. It was also learned at this time that the Parish House (The first building on the right on River Street, across from the "Meeting House") was recorded in the Town Clerk's Office. The land in Vol. 37, page 559, and the building in Vol. 38, page 27. Through the efforts of Fred Farrington, we found that we owned it. Much later, it was turned over to Quechee Lakes in exchange for Fellowship Hall, and the kitchen which are downstairs in the Church.

On the evening of April 29, 1962, special services were held for the dedication of the chimes which had materialized and were installed in the tower. They were dedicated in honor of Ethel Churchill, organist for 54 years. It had long been her dream.

In 1964, a renewal of the Policies of the UCC and our Church was brought up by the Pastor, Rev. HAnd, regarding open membership, regardless of race, color or creed. It was so voted.

In 1966, the Friendly Circle had the Church pew cushions recovered at a cost of $1,000.00. This added much to the looks and comfort of the Church. As of 2009, those cushions are still in use!

In the 1970s, new carpeting was installed by the Community Catholics who held services here on Saturday evenings for several years. One of our church members was married to a Catholic here by a Priest. They also baptized several children.