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First Congregational Church, Orwell, Vermont

First Congregational Church, Orwell, Vermont, History The Orwell Congregational Church, built in 1842 by Frederick Bostwick and Fobes, is one of the finest examples of the Greek Revival style in Vermont. It is a large two story three-by-four-bay building with an imposing distyle in antis front facade with fluted Doric columns. A magnificent belfry displays anthemion motif panels, a denticulated entablature, Ionic colums and corner pilasters. The structure possesses a large pediment, pilasters and a full Tuscan entablature. The monumental style of its construction was a result of the great prosperity enjoyed by Orwell due to the great financial rewards of sheep farming at the time the church was constructed. The church has served the community throughout its history. It contains a notable Hook tracker organ purchased by subscription to honor returning Civil War veterans. Since 1882 the church has housed the town clock. There is a high potential for significant subsurface remains of horsesheds that provided carriage and stabling facilities within the current property boundaries. A considerable portion of the foundation stones of these structures is still visible on the surface. These structures, which were once common in Vermont, are now extremely rare. The church continues to the present day as an active Congregational church.

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