Built in 1891 as the Congregational Church of Ludlow, the United Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the only churches in Vermont constructed in a fully mature expression of shingle-style architecture. Its Congregationalist congregation was organized in 1806, and in 1930 it merged with a Methodist congregation to form a union congregation and become the United Church of Ludlow.
The Church’s 1,000-pound-plus bell was cast by the Holbrook Bell Foundry of East Medway, MA, in 1839, when Martin Van Buren was president, only 50 years after the Constitution of the United States became effective. Members of the public had the opportunity to take tours of the belfry in 2012 when the church threw a huge party to celebrate the 120th birthday of the church’s building and the 220th birthday of its founding.
Over the years, the United Church has become a community gathering place in Ludlow, hosting concerts, events, dinners, game nights, and meetings of local non-profit organizations, including Black River Good Neighbor Services’ Memory Café to support people with dementia.
In January 2024, the United Church approved a new, inclusive Mission Statement: “We are striving to live God’s message of inclusive love through Jesus Christ in our community, nation, and world.”
Its new Vision Statement is as follows:
As we strive to live God’s message of love, we:
welcome everyone,
celebrate diversity,
nurture spiritual growth,
work toward peace and justice,
serve our community, nation, and world.
The Church’s 1,000-pound-plus bell was cast by the Holbrook Bell Foundry of East Medway, MA, in 1839, when Martin Van Buren was president, only 50 years after the Constitution of the United States became effective. Members of the public had the opportunity to take tours of the belfry in 2012 when the church threw a huge party to celebrate the 120th birthday of the church’s building and the 220th birthday of its founding.
Over the years, the United Church has become a community gathering place in Ludlow, hosting concerts, events, dinners, game nights, and meetings of local non-profit organizations, including Black River Good Neighbor Services’ Memory Café to support people with dementia.
In January 2024, the United Church approved a new, inclusive Mission Statement: “We are striving to live God’s message of inclusive love through Jesus Christ in our community, nation, and world.”
Its new Vision Statement is as follows:
As we strive to live God’s message of love, we:
welcome everyone,
celebrate diversity,
nurture spiritual growth,
work toward peace and justice,
serve our community, nation, and world.
