12-05-2025
Stowe Community Church celebrates return of historic spire
STOWE, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – Last October, the iconic Stowe Community Church lost its iconic spire for the first time ever. This week, it will be complete once more.
The spire, which was taken down on October 22 for necessary repairs, will be reinstalled atop the church's steeple at 11:30 a.m. Friday. The ceremony will be followed by words of reflection from Lieutenant Governor John Rogers, Vermont state representative Jed Lipsky, and local community members including Chuck and Jann Perkins, who donated $500,000 towards the reconstruction. Music will be provided by jazz ensemble 'In the Pocket' beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the church's sanctuary.
The church describes the event as 'celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, faith, and the unwavering support of a community that treasures its history while looking toward the future.'
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Stowe Community Church, built in 1863 at a cost of $12,000, is a popular tourist attraction in the Lamoille County resort town, and includes the tallest steeple in Vermont. Unusually for its time, the church has existed as a non-denominational Christian church since 1920, when the existing Congregationalist, Methodist, and Universalist churches recognized the need for a community effort.
The 161-year-old church spire was removed in October due to mounting needs for repairs. Pastor Dan Haugh witnessed the event, describing it as 'almost like it was coming down from heaven. Your eyes are gazing all the way up and you see this massive spire descending down— it was just a great sense of excitement and enthusiasm.'
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