Facilities
The Old First Church was gathered in 1762 by Bennington’s earliest settlers and is recognized as, the first Protestant church in what is now Vermont. Much of the early history of Vermont took place in and around the first meetinghouse, (built in 1763, no longer standing) and the present church, dedicated in 1806. As a result, the Vermont Legislature, in 1935, designated the church as “Vermont’s Colonial Shrine” and the adjacent cemetery as “Vermont’s Sacred Acre”.
After an extensive restoration effort last century the building stands much as it did during its dedication when first dedicated in 1806. The church is considered one of the most beautiful examples of early colonial church architecture. The cemetery adjacent to the church contains the graves of many of the citizens who contributed so much to the founding of Bennington and Vermont. It also contains the graves of Robert Frost and approximately 75 Revolutionary War patriots as well as British and Hessian soldiers killed in the Battle of Bennington. The site of Ethan Allen’s Bennington home is on the border of the cemetery.
Located in the heart of historic Old Bennington, the Old First Church offers couples a unique and elegant backdrop for their special day. Weddings are performed for all who seek a religious basis for their marriage.
The fine acoustics inside the church allow for the church’s organ, the piano or other musicians or soloists to fill the space with music without amplification.
Consider celebrating your special day in the beautiful, historic Old First Church. For more information or to get the process started, please contact us
Our church Barn is offered to both nonprofit and private groups for meetings and other gatherings as a community service. The Barn is also available for weddings and receptions.
Church Office (at the Barn)
Mailing Address:
1 Monument Circle
Bennington, Vermont 05201
For more information
802-447-1223
office@oldfirst.comcastbiz.net
MPCC - At The Barn
Myers Prouty Children’s Campuses, Inc. (MPCC)
Old First Church hosts the Monument Campus of the Myers Prouty Children's Campuses, Inc. in its Barn building at 1 Monument Circle.
MPCC provides quality early education and after school care experiences.
MONUMENT CAMPUS
1 Monument Circle
Old Bennington, VT 05201
802-681-7539
Pre-K Room (ext. 108)
Toddler Room (ext. 107)
Director Tia (Ext. 114)
CACFP Director Jess (Ext. 110)
In addition to Sunday morning worship, the church welcomes individuals and tour groups to visit during our “Open Church” season.
We are open for such visits on weekends from Memorial Day weekend to July 1, and daily from July 1 to mid-October (the end of “leaf season”).
Hours
Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sundays: 1 – 4 p.m.
Volunteers will answer questions and sometimes make presentations.
Postcards, note cards and other mementoes are available.
The church can also be seen by special appointment.
Please contact the Church Office for more information.
(802) 447-1223 office@oldfirst.comcastbiz.net
The Old First Church is located in historic Old Bennington, within a short walk of both the
Bennington Museum
with its
Grandma Moses Gallery
and
The Bennington Battle Monument
Above Photo courtesy of Mitchell Photography
