Addison Baptist Church
a.k.a. Addison Community Baptist Church
jct. of VT 22A and VT 17, Addison, VTThe Addison Baptist Church is among the older Baptist Churches in Vermont, organized on October 25, 1797. By the second decade of the nineteenth century, the congregation grew to the extent that on December 14, 1811, it was, "voted to meet on Friday evening next in an extra Church meeting to consult on matters relative to building a meetinghouse and forming some system to carry it into effect." It was not until 1816 that the meeting house was built on a hill overlooking the village of Addison Four Corners.
The Church's early history is not atypical of Nineteenth century Vermont congregation. The early congregation opposed the Masons, expelling one William Whitford in 1816, for "his ungospel arguments to justify and support himself in the practice of meeting with his Masonic bretheren."
By 1842, Freemasonry was less of an issue, and the congregation was concerning itself with the political and moral issue of slavery. The Church records contain the following resolution on the subject for the year 1842: "Where slavery is contrary to the letter and spirit of the Gospel and consequently a sin against God, therefore, resolved that we will not hold in Church fellowship slave holding Churches or any brother or sisters who is a member of such until they have given evidence of reformation."
While the congregation was enunciating its social and political attitudes, the building itself was undergoing change. In 1849, considerable alterations were made to both the interior and exterior of the Church, resulting in a Greek Revival style. It was at this time that the side gallaries were removed and the vestry installed on the ground floor.
Later improvements to the Church consisted primarily of technological modernizations in heating and lighting, having no effect on the building's architectural integrity. The last structural improvement was the addition of the rear ell, added in 1962.
The growth and evolution of the Addison Baptist Church is a reflection of that of the Town of Addison. Located adjacent to the Town Hall, overlooking the village, the Church is an ever-present testimony of the history of this small Vermont Township.
Local significance of the building:
The Church's early history is not atypical of Nineteenth century Vermont congregation. The early congregation opposed the Masons, expelling one William Whitford in 1816, for "his ungospel arguments to justify and support himself in the practice of meeting with his Masonic bretheren."
By 1842, Freemasonry was less of an issue, and the congregation was concerning itself with the political and moral issue of slavery. The Church records contain the following resolution on the subject for the year 1842: "Where slavery is contrary to the letter and spirit of the Gospel and consequently a sin against God, therefore, resolved that we will not hold in Church fellowship slave holding Churches or any brother or sisters who is a member of such until they have given evidence of reformation."
While the congregation was enunciating its social and political attitudes, the building itself was undergoing change. In 1849, considerable alterations were made to both the interior and exterior of the Church, resulting in a Greek Revival style. It was at this time that the side gallaries were removed and the vestry installed on the ground floor.
Later improvements to the Church consisted primarily of technological modernizations in heating and lighting, having no effect on the building's architectural integrity. The last structural improvement was the addition of the rear ell, added in 1962.
The growth and evolution of the Addison Baptist Church is a reflection of that of the Town of Addison. Located adjacent to the Town Hall, overlooking the village, the Church is an ever-present testimony of the history of this small Vermont Township.
Architecture; Religion
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Vermont was the first state to elect a socialist to Congress: In 1910, Vermont elected its first socialist congressman, named Victor Berger. Berger was a member of the Socialist Party of America and served in Congress for three terms.
About Addison County
Addison County Timeline
Addison County, Vermont is situated in the western part of the state and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The land was originally inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Abenaki people, who relied on the region's fertile soil and abundant natural resources for sustenance.
European settlement in the area began in the mid-18th century, with the establishment of New Haven and Vergennes, two of the county's oldest towns. The region quickly attracted settlers due to its favorable farming conditions, proximity to Lake Champlain, and opportunities for trade. Agriculture soon became the backbone of the local economy, with farmers producing hay, corn, wheat, and dairy products.
During the American Revolution, Addison County played a significant role in the fight for independence. The Battle of Bennington, a pivotal engagement in the war, took place just south of the county's border in 1777. Many local residents patriotically served in the Continental Army, defending their homes and fighting for liberty.
In the 19th century, Addison County experienced steady growth and development. The construction of the Champlain Canal in the early 1800s brought increased commerce and trade, and the county's population expanded. Villages like Middlebury and Bristol emerged as important centers of education and industry, hosting prestigious colleges and bustling mills and factories.
Today, Addison County remains an agricultural hub, known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant small towns, and strong sense of community. While the county has seen many changes over the years, its rich heritage and agricultural traditions continue to shape its identity.
European settlement in the area began in the mid-18th century, with the establishment of New Haven and Vergennes, two of the county's oldest towns. The region quickly attracted settlers due to its favorable farming conditions, proximity to Lake Champlain, and opportunities for trade. Agriculture soon became the backbone of the local economy, with farmers producing hay, corn, wheat, and dairy products.
During the American Revolution, Addison County played a significant role in the fight for independence. The Battle of Bennington, a pivotal engagement in the war, took place just south of the county's border in 1777. Many local residents patriotically served in the Continental Army, defending their homes and fighting for liberty.
In the 19th century, Addison County experienced steady growth and development. The construction of the Champlain Canal in the early 1800s brought increased commerce and trade, and the county's population expanded. Villages like Middlebury and Bristol emerged as important centers of education and industry, hosting prestigious colleges and bustling mills and factories.
Today, Addison County remains an agricultural hub, known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant small towns, and strong sense of community. While the county has seen many changes over the years, its rich heritage and agricultural traditions continue to shape its identity.
Addison County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Addison County, Vermont.
- 1761 - Addison County is chartered and named after English writer Joseph Addison
- 1773 - The town of Middlebury is settled
- 1785 - Middlebury College is founded
- 1796 - The town of Vergennes becomes the first chartered city in Vermont
- 1800s - Agriculture, particularly dairy farming, becomes a major industry in the county
- 1825 - The Champlain Transportation Company is established to provide transportation on Lake Champlain
- 1834 - The Rutland and Burlington Railroad, the county's first railroad, is completed
- 1840 - The Vermont Central Railroad is built through the county, connecting it to the rest of the state
- 1851 - Middlebury Female Seminary, precursor to Middlebury College's women's program, is founded
- 1861-1865 - Many men from Addison County serve in the Civil War
- 1883 - The Pulp Mill Bridge in Middlebury is completed, becoming an iconic landmark in the county
- 1891 - The town of Bristol is connected to the rest of the county by a railroad
- 1914-1918 - Many residents of Addison County serve in World War I
- 1920s - The Great Depression affects the county's economy, leading to decreased farm prices and increased poverty
- 1930s - The federal government initiates various relief programs in the county during the Great Depression
- 1941-1945 - Many residents of Addison County serve in World War II
- 1950s-1960s - Interstate 89 is built through the eastern part of the county, improving transportation
- 2000s - The county experiences steady population growth, with more people moving to the area
- Present - Addison County is known for its beautiful landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant arts scene