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On March 29, 2024, Old South Church was listed individually on the National Register of Historic Places at the National Level of Significance by the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service.
The church will host an open house starting at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 17th. This event will include a presentation on the story behind the nomination at 7 PM by Architectural Historian Lyssa Papazian. Lyssa will be joined by Timber Framer Jan Lewandoski who will share some insights on the frame of Old South Church, as designed and erected by Master Builder Asher Benjamin (1773-1845).
The nomination, prepared by Lyssa Papazian, states, “As the first in Vermont and the fourth in New England, as well as the only Asher Benjamin designed and built example of this frame Type III church, the Old South Church is an exceptionally important prototype of the church type that would soon be used throughout New England. The Old South Church is also exceptionally valuable for the study of Asher Benjamin and his influence on the architectural development of New England and beyond through both his books and his architecture. It is significant as the work of a master of national significance.”
Restoring Old South
The Old South Church congregation is planning for the care and repair of the church as well as its mission to serve the greater Windsor, Vt., area for the next 100 years. This effort builds on a significant tradition of building this large church to serve a growing population in 1798. There were substantial changes in the church in 1844 indicative of changing worship practices and greater social interaction in faith communities. The church underwent a Colonial Revival restoration effort in 1922 as well, placing it solidly in the values of the early 20th century to honor American building traditions. The program will be an opportunity to learn about the National Register nomination process and the current planning effort.
After the program, from 8:00-8:30 PM, refreshments will be served.
Everyone is welcome. This event will be free of charge, and donations to the restoration fund for the church building are welcome. The first floor of the church is wheel-chair accessible, and the program will take place in the parish hall. The sanctuary is accessible via stairs and a stair glide.
Attend Virtually
To stream the meeting scan the QR Code or visit the Zoom link:
To stream, scan QR code:
Or type the Zoom link into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89693959620?pwd=WnBlQjF2WTZoZFdqU0drQXpUL1I3dz09
The nomination to the National Register and this public educational program have been financed in part with federal funds from the Certified Local Government (CLG) program from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, through the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation. This program receives federal funds from the National Park Service. Regulations of the U.S. Department of the Interior strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination in federally assisted programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility operated by a recipient of federal assistance should write to: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20240.”
The CLG grant was sponsored locally by the Town of Windsor and its Design Review/Historic Preservation Commission with matching funds and in-kind services from the Old South Church, donors to the project, and Historic Windsor, Inc.
For more information:
Attention: Tom McGraw
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (802) 909-2741
