35 Church Street, Barre, VT 05641, US
About Us
Who We Are and What We Believe
Founded in 1799, the Barre Congregational Church has a long history of grappling with Jesus’ vision, message, and mission. In recent years, we have been identifying ourselves as “the church with the red doors.” The three sets of double red doors that grace the front of our meetinghouse are a constant reminder of our intention to practice our faith both internally and externally. Crossing the threshold of these doors reminds us that as Christians we attend to an inner journey and an outer journey. We believe both journeys are crucial to God’s vision of salvation, justice, and transformation for all creation. The prophet Micah writes, “And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
As a member of the United Church of Christ, we are committed to discerning what is just and fair and to speaking words of justice to the wider community and ourselves. As a local church in a specific geographic location, regardless of which side of the red doors we find ourselves on, we extend kindness to all people believing they are created in God’s image, and are therefore deserving of God’s love, compassion, and acceptance.
We hold our doors and our hearts open to all people who seek deeper faith and a closer walk with Jesus Christ. We celebrate and affirm the sacred worth of all persons as unique individuals made in the image of God. Whatever your age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or physical, cognitive, or emotional ability, we invite you to find a safe and nurturing spiritual home with us.
Although we may hold differing opinions, all are welcome to participate fully and without reservation in the life, leadership, ministry and mission of this church as we seek to grow together in a community of faith.
Our Story
On November 14th, 1799, six men and six women covenanted to form a Congregational Church. The first church building was constructed in Gospel Village, part of Barre, in 1806. This was the site of the present Elmwood Cemetery and Lincoln School. In 1840, it was decided to build a new church in the Lower Village, the site of the present church. It was a brick building with a white wooden steeple.
Due to a boom in the granite industry, a much needed church expansion project was begun in 1885. The church was rebuilt with a granite bell tower and stained glass windows. These renovations gave the church a Gothic-Romanesque style. It was rededicated in October of 1887.
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