Highgate Springs, a small town just south of the USA/Canada border, sits on US Route 7, directly adjacent to Interstate 89. Home to lakeside homes, a family resort, and working farms, you wouldn’t know much is there, except for the church steeple that you can see from I-89, if you’re paying attention. Finally, I had the opportunity to drive by and snap a few photographs.
You can immediately see the variety of architectural styles: the stick style gable screen, the Gothic entrance hood and pointed window arches, and the classical modillions on the tower.
The Highgate Springs Union Church, this Victorian Gothic building was constructed in 1877, with a mixture of Stick, Classical, and Gothic details. Originally built as a single-denomination church, it was soon used by a “union” of Highgate denominations. It is listed in the Vermont State Register of Historic Places (#0609-58).
“The Little White Church,” as it’s locally called, is not technically abandoned, based on what I can find. However, it no longer offers regular services. Instead, it’s used for special events such as weddings from May- October.
The church sits on at a small Y intersection.
The benefit of late spring in Vermont: you can see the buildings through the trees even in mid May.
The entrance.
Looking up to the steeple. The siding is flushboard on the tower, a more expensive look that the typical clapboard (on the right).
Flushboard siding.
Classical, Gothic, and Stick details.
A trick to tell if a building is being used? Is the electrical meter hooked up? If so, it’s not abandoned. Perhaps more neglected. This siding show paint peeling and repairs needed.
Peeking in through the windows.
The altar, as seen through the windows.
The exterior.
Beautiful, yes? And not abandoned, but it could use some maintenance and more funding and greater usage.
Every community seems to have similar issues with churches. What about those near you?
Preservation in Pink 