It’s a good time to address underused churches in Vermont. The Vermont Historic Preservation & Downtown Conference features a work day at Christ Church on Thursday May 1, 2014. Too many of our churches sit empty with small, shrinking congregations, extremely limited (or no) funding, and an uncertain fate. The case of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Highgate, VT is one of the many that is not abandoned, but is underused. It is used seasonally for weddings. Members of the church currently attend services in nearby Swanton, VT. Currently this church appears to be in good condition.
The Preservation Trust of Vermont works with Partners for Sacred Spaces and the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation to host retreats that will aid organizations in developing uses for their churches. (This year’s is May 15-16 at the Grand Isle Lake House in Grand Isle, VT.)
Constructed in 1834.
Located in Highgate Falls, VT.
The rear of the church.
You can see clear through the window across the church. Is anything more lovely than a historic window?
Beautiful windows.
The sign on the front of the church.
This odd photo – pardon the blurry foreground, blame the iphone – shows the interior of the church. That’s as much as I could see inside.
What a beauty. This church is located down the road from Highgate Manor and the Highgate Falls Lenticular truss. Read more about Highgate, a small town in Franklin County, northwestern Vermont.
Preservation in Pink 
Kaitlin, this church is such a gem! and you’re right, it’s well cared for, part of the St. Albans Episcopal parish. The pastor had a condition assessment done last year through Preservation Trust of VT so that they could plan for it’s continued care. The challenge here is that there’s no longer a congregation in Highgate Falls. It’s constituents are the souls buried in the cemetery behind the church. What new uses will support churches like this one?
oops…Swanton, not St. Albans!
Wonderfully stated, Ann. And the most important question: how can we support new uses for churches like this one. I’d add that it’s especially difficult for buildings that are so beautiful as churches. Other uses could take away their significance. Yet without other uses, they have no hope. Quite the conundrum. I hope the retreat yields answers!