The church was built between 1868 and 1874 by New Hampshire architect Edward Dow in the Romanesque and Italianate styles. A young man from Montpelier, George Guernsey, was responsible for the carpentry on the church. He later became Vermont’s leading architect and the third mayor of Montpelier. The belfry contains one of the largest swinging bells in Vermont, cast in 1872. Prior to the 2023 floods, the church’s basement was home to the Montpelier Food Pantry and a popular community thrift store.

In July 2023, the region experienced record rainfall, resulting in catastrophic flooding. The entirety of downtown Montpelier was inundated, and the church basement took on over 8 feet of water. The flood destroyed the boilers, air filtration system, and main electrical panels. 

An Intervention Fund grant of $50,000 awarded in 2023 helped Trinity UMC relocate its main electrical panels upstairs and restore power to the building. Prior to the storm, area churches each hosted community lunches on different days of the week. After the floods, the community meal program was at risk of being discontinued due to the damage to the area’s churches. The restoration of power allowed Trinity UMC to become the host of the program four days a week so that this important community service could continue. Trinity and three other churches have since formed a 501(c)(3) to formalize their partnership and ensure the Community Table continues into the future.

Photo by Stephanie Krauss