About Us
Mission Statement
As one body in communion with God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, we,
the members of United Community Church covenant with one another to care for and love each other as Jesus Christ loves us, and to maintain, support, and foster a compassionate ministry in our community and throughout all God’s creation.
Our Story
A young Congregation with over 200 years of history
In the 1820s the Second Congregational church was organized in St. Johnsbury. In 1850 growth in the church resulted in the formation of an additional congregational called South Church. The Second Congregational church then became North Congregational church. In 2015 the churches began the process of reuniting and created United Community Church.
Our congregation is Open and Affirming and committed to a spirit of welcome for all people.
A Church inspired by and created by Vermont
Construction began in 1878 and the building was originally dedicated in 1881. On December 4, 2022 we rededicated our church home as United Community Church in celebration of who are today as a new congregation in our historic building.
Building Structure
There are over a million bricks insulating the building behind the stone walls.
Local Materials
All the stones on the exterior are from islands in Lake Champlain. It took over 150 train cars to carry all the stone to St. J from Western Vermont. The pews are made of locally sourced Vermont cherry trees.
Bell Tower
The tower is over 140 feet tall and the foundation stones of the tower go down 20 feet underground. The boulders of the foundation were previously used in a jail in Danville.
Symbolism
There are no religious emblems or imagery in the windows, woodwork, or on the edifice. The window colors, leaves carved in the woodwork, and other details are designed to evoke the beauty of God's creation in our region.
Building Style
The church is a medieval gothic style structure. Since it was designed and built in the Victorian era the building is a unique interpretation of the gothic aesthetic.
Pipe Organ
The pipe organ is historically the grandest instrument in New England north of Boston.
Our Denomination
Northeast Association
We are members of the Northeast Association of congregations which stretches from St. Johnsbury to the Canadian border.
Vermont Conference
The Vermont Conference of the United Church of Christ supports and connects congregations across Vermont.
United Church of Christ
The United Church of Christ is a nationwide denomination committed to social justice and inclusion.
FAQs
What does our church name mean?
We are called United Community Church because we were formed as a result of the union of North Congregational Church and South Congregational Church. We are proud of our name because it celebrates our commitment to serving and engaging with our St. Johnsbury community. We welcome all in our community for worship regardless of their faith backgrounds or traditions.
What is congregational polity?
Our congregation is led by the laity and Pastor in partnership. We are actively connected with our United Church of Christ denomination, but we are able to determine as a congregation our own priorities and select our Pastor.
What should I wear to worship?
There is no dress code. Some people enjoy worshipping in dress clothes and some feel more at home in their outdoorsy Vermont clothes or athleisure apparel.
What is an Open and Affirming congregation?
We are an Open and Affirming congregation, which means we have intentionally gone through a process to grow in our commitment to welcoming all people, specifically those who identify as LGBTQ.
Are all people allowed to receive communion?
Yes!
What does it mean to become a member?
All participants in the life of the church are invited to consider membership. Membership is a way to affirm our covenant with one another to serve God and to journey together as a congregation.