Vertical Vermont Round Church

The Old Round Church is in Richmond Vermont. Years ago I saw an image of the Old Round Church in Yankee Magazine. The image was similar to the one on... more

by Jeff Folger

Title

Vertical Vermont Round Church

Artist

Jeff Folger

Medium

Photograph - Art Creations

Description

The Old Round Church is in Richmond Vermont. Years ago I saw an image of the Old Round Church in Yankee Magazine. The image was similar to the one on this page and I wanted to create my own version of it.
Background
The Old Round church was built in 1812/13 and under the direction of craftsman William Rhodes. This 16 sided sixteen-sided polygon round church/meetinghouse was to be (and I find this amazing) a meeting hall and place of worship for five protestant denominations. (Baptists, Christians, Congregationalists, Methodists and Universalists)
Why 16 sides?
Well there are no documents saying why the Old Round Church has 16 sides but the three claims on its origin are:
The first was that with no corners there was no place for the Devil to hide.
Someone postulated that Rhodes had 17 workers, one for each side and one for the belfry.
But the most viable answer is that Rhodes who grew up in Claremont New Hampshire, modeled this one on the octagonal church in his hometown.
Within a few decades the different denominations began to move out and establish their own churches. The Old Round Church reverted to the control of the town. It was used as the town’s Meeting hall until 1973 when it was closed due to safety concerns.
Present Day
The Old Round Church of Richmond Vermont is open for tours by visitors from late May to late in the fall foliage season, Along with Weddings and group tours. Visit The Old Round Church website [http://www.oldroundchurch.com/index.php/home] for more information and the history of this landmark of Richmond Vermont.

Uploaded

August 8th, 2018