Community: Village of Vermontville
Population: Under 2,500
The Village of Vermontville was founded in 1836 by a colony arriving from Vermont. The Vermontville United Methodist Church was built in 1862 and moved to the Village Square in 1877. In December of 2017, the church closed its doors due to low attendance. As the church building sat on the Public Square, the village, with the support of the community, purchased the church in October of 2018. The goal was to keep the history of the village intact and provide a place for the community to gather. The village, with the help of employees and residents, has been able to keep the integrity of the building and honor the history that brought it to Vermontville originally. This building is now a safe haven for those that may lose power due to storms. It was most recently opened as a warming station during the 2019 Polar Vortex.
Replicability:
Any community that has the opportunity to acquire a building that could potentially benefit its residents should look into it. Although this was a long process, it was not difficult. With guidance from many, the process went smoothly.
Creativity and Originality:
We have had the opportunity to update areas inside the entry to look more inviting. The pews have been removed, new tables and chairs now fill the sanctuary, and the kitchen has been licensed. The building can serve as a meeting place, hold benefit dinners for community members, hold birthday parties, and still have the ability to serve as a chapel for weddings. We have more to do, but with support from the community, we will achieve those goals.
Community Impact:
The initial impact was one of great sadness at the loss of not only the church and its parishioners, but of a historical landmark. Although not every resident supported the decision to purchase the church, the general consensus is that of extreme gratefulness to the village for keeping the building open and available for the community. As it is handicap accessible, it is being used regularly by the Vermontville Township Library for its summer reading program and for the arrival of Santa in December. The Community Center was utilized during our annual Maple Syrup Festival to serve over 600 dinners throughout the weekend. When it came time to purchase the building, the village received an anonymous donation covering the purchase price. Two local businesses have generously donated new tables and chairs for the Community Center. After five months of use, the impact has been one of overwhelming success! This project has brought our community together for a common goal and the village is extremely grateful for their support.
