Vernon in Windham County, Vermont — The American Northeast (New England)
Historic Vernon Union Church
Photographed By Dennis Gilkenson, November 9, 2021
1. Historic Vernon Union Church Marker
The first Vernon Union Church was built in 1845 for the Universalist society. Anna Marsh, daughter of Lt. Gov. Jonathan Hunt, bequeathed $2,000 to Vernon, “for the support of preaching” in the town. The church has received this support since 1834 from the Marsh Fund.
In 1899, lightning struck the steeple and caused the church to burn. The building was reconstructed the following year on the same site, incorporating items saved including the iron tongue of the bell. In December of 1900, the church was dedicated as the Vernon Union Church. The circular Tiffany and diamond-paned windows were donated by Harriet Hall Simonds, widow of hotel entrepreneur John Simonds. In her honor, a new bell was installed in 1912.
Erected 2020 by Vermont Divisiom for Historic Preservation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Unitarian Universalism (UUism) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1845.
Location. 42° 45.713′ N, 72° 30.624′ W. Marker is in Vernon, Vermont, in Windham County. Marker is on Fort Bridgman Road (Vermont Route 142) west of Greenway Drive, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Central Park (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); George's Mill (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named George's Mill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pond Road Chapel (approx. one mile away); a different marker also named Pond Road Chapel (approx. one mile away); Jemima Tute (approx. 2 miles away); Fort Bridgman (approx. 2.2 miles away); Hinsdale, New Hampshire Post Office (approx. 2.3 miles away in New Hampshire). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vernon.
Photographed By Dennis Gilkenson, November 9, 2021
2. Historic Vernon Union Church Marker
Photographed By Dennis Gilkenson, November 9, 2021
3. Vernon Union Church
Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2021, by Dennis Gilkenson of Saxtons River, Vermont. This page has been viewed 220 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 16, 2021, by Dennis Gilkenson of Saxtons River, Vermont. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
