Lower Waterford/Third Congregational Church

01/03/2026

This profile of church member Arnold Waters (see photo of Pew 12 saved by the Waterford Historical Society before the church closed) is an amazing 'read'. It was a cherished hope to have a public record of Arnold's life. Thanks to WHS member Beth Kanell, it weaves together fascinating chapters from an active life that included public service:
https://waterford-vt-history.blogspot.com/2026/01/arnold-waters-lower-waterford-resident.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawPGAQ5zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeD12-Lia6Mq9TSY4l5Rwt19K71VDaKfufNIxM9YAD7RNMgqHbRgfvsV3HAfw&brid=_XcABFS4hfNK351V3QV9aA

Research and history from Waterford, Vermont, with community input and event listings.

01/16/2025

Don: Your famous humor and flashes of divine inspiration when called upon during services lightened our shared responsibility as we worked together in the spirit of community to keep open the doors of the Lower Waterford Congregational Church as long as possible. Rest gently, good and faithful servant. More on Don, plus his loving wife, Holly who survived him, can be found in the comments section.

10/26/2024

All are invited to participate in the final service of 3rd Congregational Church, RT 2, East St. Johnsbury at 10 a.m. Sunday, October 27, 2024.

09/02/2024

With the railroad's arrival came prosperity to East St. Johnsbury, VT. A testament of which can be seen in 3rd Congregational Church's stunning stained glass windows. This one faces RT 2. If you are a descendant of any names listed here, you are welcome to post your recollections in the comments section.

09/02/2024

Want to join the entrepreneurs on RT 2 in East St. Johnsbury, VT? This historic building, with a NEW septic system, an ELEVATOR, its own water supply, off-street parking, ADA access, and a working kitchen could be a terrific location for the right individual(s) with imagination and business know-how.

09/02/2024

Are you a Morrill or Chapman descendant who ancestors attended 3rd Congregational Church in East St. Johnsbury, VT? The remaining church members in charge of transitioning the sale of this historic building would like to gift this portrait of Elizabeth Morrill Chapman to a descendant.

06/23/2024

This 1912 photo, with snow on the ground, shows a group of women outside 3rd Congregational Church in East St. Johnsbury, possibly coaxed outside from a concert to pose. Look for the sandwich board outside the church for when summer services are scheduled by the remaining, and very devoted, members. The church has a traditional center aisle ideal for weddings and stunning stained glass windows with family names for those searching for any evidence of their ancestors' presence. Names in caption below with a h/t to Joan Weston.

05/21/2024

"...For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." 3rd Congregational Church of East St. Johnsbury (Rt. 2) has scheduled a service for 10 a.m. Sunday, May 26. Look for the church featured in the photo at RT. It's nearly across from the ESTJ post office. All are welcome to attend this historic church.

03/08/2024

"Just as the Lord came to earth to serve others, we are most like Him when we have a heart of service." Mark 10:45.

Kate Piper, the last church deacon who followed in the footsteps of Congregational Church members who lived a life of public service to Waterford since before the Civil War, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

In the comments section are separate links to her celebration of life service planned for May 11 and the Waterford blog that featured some of her public work associated with the church.

In this space, we'd like to share a few scenes featuring Kate from the congregation's final chapter. Highlights include:

* annual Memory Tree reception held the first Sunday each December, which acted as a homecoming for members.

* dedication of the Memory Garden, a project that beautifully paired Kate's love of gardening with the chance to memorialize family, friends, and even beloved pets.

* Kate lifting herself up out of a pew at a joint fundraiser between the church and historical society that featured the UnCommon Folk Band of Waterford.

Many of us also were blessed to sample Kate's fine culinary skills, whether it was with rhubarb, blueberries, or Thai chicken wraps for seasonal fundraisers.

Thanks to Kate's work, this historic Greek Revival building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019.

The historical society saved her favorite Pew 12, where before her, her mentors in Waterford's civic life, Arnold Waters and John Hird II, once sat for worship. (You'll find their bricks in the garden.)

Gone too soon, Kate, but you have earned your place in heaven where we know you are in good company.

09/24/2023

Rest in peace, gentle angel. All you did for the Congregational Church in Lower Waterford (and McIndoe Falls where you grew up) was appreciated. These photos were from the service to commemorate the Community Memory Garden on July 9, 2017.

09/27/2022

Final service in Lower Waterford: September 25, 2022.

12/14/2021

Join us in song this Sunday, December 19, at 10 a.m. at Third Church in East Saint Johnsbury!