Middlebury in Addison County, Vermont — The American Northeast (New England)
Congregational Church
Photographed by Conrad Ward, November 30, 2024
1. Congregational Church Marker
The Congregational Church, shown here in a photograph from the 1870s, has long held pride of place in downtown Middlebury. Construction of the church began in 1806 and was completed three years later at a cost of $9,000. Designed by Lavius Fillmore, it is one of the greatest Federal-style churches in New England. The magnificent five-tiered spire was modeled on James Gibbs's steeple for St. Martin-in-the-Fields on Trafalgar Square in London. Its 135-foot height was designed with a flexible frame in order to withstand the gale-force winds that occasionally hit the area.
Photo Source: Collection of Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History, Middlebury, Vermont
This sign was developed with the support of the Town of Middlebury and the Lake Champlain Byway.
Funded in part by the Federal Highway Administration. (Marker Number 2.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1806.
Location. 44° 0.882′ N, 73° 10.022′ W. Marker is in Middlebury, Vermont, in Addison County. It is at the intersection
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Champlain Valley and in Greater Burlington. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Emma Willard Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Charter House (within shouting distance of this marker); Samuel Miller, Esq. (within shouting distance of this marker); Middlebury Community House (within shouting distance of this marker); Restoring Middlebury's Village Green (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Frederick Douglass Launched The One Hundred Conventions (about 300 feet away); Lazarus Park (about 300 feet away); Court Square (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Middlebury.
Also see . . . The Congregational Church of Middlebury, UCC (Official Website).
Photographed by Conrad Ward, November 30, 2024
2. Congregational Church Marker
courtesy Middlebury College Special Collections, circa 1885
3. Congregational Church, Middlebury, Vermont
courtesy Carol M. Highsmith's America Project in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, September 27, 2017
4. Middlebury Congregational Church in downtown Middlebury, Vermont
Designed by Lavius Fillmore, and completed in 1809, it is considered one of the greatest Federal-style churches in New England.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2025, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 117 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 26, 2025, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. 3, 4. submitted on June 4, 2025. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
