Methodism in Burlington, Vermont began as early as 1798 by circuit riders who met with small groups of people in homes and schools. The church was officially founded on October 22,1823 with the signing of the Articles of Association of the Methodist Episcopal Church by fifteen subscribers. Reverend Buel Goodsell served as the presiding elder and Reverend Noah Levings as preacher. Before these early Methodists had a church they sometimes met in the Burlington Academy, then located at the northwest corner of College and South Willard Streets. They also held meetings in the Red School House on Middle Lane, now called North Union Street. By 1831 the Red School House had become too crowded, and plans were begun for a church building. The site was the same as our present building. John Southmade loaned the $400 to purchase the land. The building was completed in 1832. The congregation soon outgrew the building. The present building with its lovely stained glass rose window, was erected and then dedicated on April 19, 1870. It is traditionally believed that the rose window was financed by the church women, who had food and other sales to raise the necessary $ 1,200. Additional changes have been made in the building over the years. In 1942 the sanctuary was renovated and the six foot chancel cross was installed. It was carved by Alois Lang, a native of Oberammergau, Germany. The Orchard Terrace section was added in 1957 and renovated in the early 80's. Recent renovations, include the Reid-Booth Room, the Collins Room and moving the library to the Henderson Suite.
The cross on the top of the church spire is believed to be one of a kind. The bars of the cross extend outward from a circle. The circle is without beginning or end, and symbolizes God's eternal love. Each bar is octagonal in shape which suggests the eight Beatitudes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. The bars reach up to God, out to the world and down to self, reminiscent of Mark 12: 30-31: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul and with all your mind, and with all your strength. You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
In 1978 the church was placed on the National Register of Historic Sites.
For a more thorough account of our church history, you are invited to read "History of Methodism in Burlington. Vermont" by Florence G. Greene, 1979.
Another book, "The History of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Burlington, VT" by C. A. Castle is available.
List of Church Archives at the Bailey Howe Library
National Registry of Historic Sights Nomination Form