MIDDLEBURY — On Sunday, Oct. 9, the Henry Sheldon Museum sponsors a tour featuring eight houses of worship in Middlebury village, notable embodiments of two centuries of religious culture and architectural craftsmanship.The tour is organized by Glenn Andres, Middlebury College Professor Emeritus of History, Art and Architecture. Participants may visit the eight churches in any order between 1-5 p.m.
The walk highlights: the Congregational Church (1806-09); St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (1826-27); St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church (1892-1912), exterior only; the United Methodist Church (1892-93); Memorial Baptist Church (1905-06); Mead Chapel at Middlebury College (1916); Havurah Jewish Congregation (1876; 2001); and the Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Church (2009).
At each location, local hosts will be on hand to explain features and stories of the buildings and their histories.Tickets and maps are on sale in advance and on Oct. 9 at $25 per person at the Sheldon Museum, One Park Street or online www.HenrySheldonMuseum.org.
The walk will conclude with a reception at the Sheldon Museum where paintings by local artists of the featured churches will be offered for sale.
The Henry Sheldon Museum is located at One Park Street in downtown Middlebury across from the Ilsley Library. Museum hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday (through Oct. 16) 1-5 p.m.; Research Center hours: Thursday and Friday 1-5 p.m. or by appointment.
Admission to the museum is $5 adults; $3 youth (ages 6-18); $4.50 seniors; $12 family; $5 Research Center.