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Posted On: September 29th 2026, 10:41 am
First Congregational Church, 880 Western Avenue, built 1845
The First Congregational Church was home to the first purpose-built church building in the settlement of Brattleborough, originally a wooden structure completed in 1768. This building was replaced with a more permanent one in 1785, which was destroyed by fire in 1845. Later that year, the current building was built in its place. The 1845 Greek Revival frame church underwent extensive renovations in 1886, resulting in its current Italianate style. The church now features a three-tiered bell and clock tower on one corner and a smaller tower on the opposite corner. The front facade has a gable design, with a central projecting gable pavilion that connects to the asymmetrical towers. These elements are adorned with decorative moldings, cornices, and friezes, creating a distinct visual contrast against the main block. The original construction included a smaller central belfry and spire with classical details, but this was replaced in 1886.
Around 1905, the church underwent further changes, including the addition of a rear one-story structure for a "ladies parlor," pastor's study, and kitchen. A pipe organ was also installed on the west side. Although the walls and foundation were preserved, the rest of the church was extensively renewed, with a completely new front facade featuring Italianate towers. The interior was remodeled, shifting the pulpit to the west side and replacing the front-facing pews with a semicircular arrangement. In 1928, the ceiling was lowered during further interior renovations.
In 1949, the rear addition was expanded, raising the roof to match the main church roof and creating additional usable space in the basement for a furnace, auditorium, and Sunday School rooms. The last major addition took place in 1962, with the construction of a rear wing for a Sunday school classroom.
The church stands today as an inclusive congregational church, and is partnered with sister churches in Brattleboro, Guilford, and Dummerston.
📅 September 2026
📷 Leica M2
🔍 35mm Voightlander
🎞️ Kentmere 200
🧪 Rodinal stand development
#landmarksofbrattleboro
The First Congregational Church was home to the first purpose-built church building in the settlement of Brattleborough, originally a wooden structure completed in 1768. This building was replaced with a more permanent one in 1785, which was destroyed by fire in 1845. Later that year, the current building was built in its place. The 1845 Greek Revival frame church underwent extensive renovations in 1886, resulting in its current Italianate style. The church now features a three-tiered bell and clock tower on one corner and a smaller tower on the opposite corner. The front facade has a gable design, with a central projecting gable pavilion that connects to the asymmetrical towers. These elements are adorned with decorative moldings, cornices, and friezes, creating a distinct visual contrast against the main block. The original construction included a smaller central belfry and spire with classical details, but this was replaced in 1886.
Around 1905, the church underwent further changes, including the addition of a rear one-story structure for a "ladies parlor," pastor's study, and kitchen. A pipe organ was also installed on the west side. Although the walls and foundation were preserved, the rest of the church was extensively renewed, with a completely new front facade featuring Italianate towers. The interior was remodeled, shifting the pulpit to the west side and replacing the front-facing pews with a semicircular arrangement. In 1928, the ceiling was lowered during further interior renovations.
In 1949, the rear addition was expanded, raising the roof to match the main church roof and creating additional usable space in the basement for a furnace, auditorium, and Sunday School rooms. The last major addition took place in 1962, with the construction of a rear wing for a Sunday school classroom.
The church stands today as an inclusive congregational church, and is partnered with sister churches in Brattleboro, Guilford, and Dummerston.
📅 September 2026
📷 Leica M2
🔍 35mm Voightlander
🎞️ Kentmere 200
🧪 Rodinal stand development
#landmarksofbrattleboro
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