Historic McIndoe Falls Church Building Revitalized with Volunteer Support and Preservation Grant


McIndoe Falls, Vermont - September 20, 2024 – The McIndoes Academy Community Center is delighted to announce a significant milestone in the restoration of the historic church building located on the west side of the McIndoe Falls main street, standing directly across from the Academy building.  The church renovation project has been awarded a $50,000 Preservation Grant from the Freeman Foundation and the Preservation Trust of Vermont to rehabilitate the iconic steeple in 2025. Ongoing and partially completed building renovations, made possible by the generous support of community members, include a new foundation under the vestry, a new heating system, updated restroom facilities, kitchen improvements, and additional enhancements.

 

The church building, known formerly as the First Congregational Church of McIndoe Falls, was built in 1850 and is a wooden structure showcasing Greek Revival architecture. Remarkably well-preserved, the church retains its historic appearance, including its distinctive steeple. The building no longer has an active congregation, and ownership was transferred to the McIndoes Falls Academy in 2023 after the building stayed unused for over a decade.

 

"This grant is a tremendous boost for our restoration efforts, but we still have a financial gap to fill to complete the ongoing work," said Cathy Thomas, a longtime community member and advocate for the church's preservation. "Historic preservation of our dear old buildings is important and deeply personal for many of us. It's a way of honoring the legacy of those who built these cherished structures and ensuring they continue to serve our community for future generations."

 

Under the stewardship of the McIndoes Academy Community Center, the church has been revitalized with vibrant community activities, including summer concerts and jam sessions. The center's ongoing goal is to continue preserving and enhancing the building and broadening its use to benefit not only Barnet residents but also residents of the upper Connecticut River Valley region.

 

For more information on how to support the church building restoration or to learn more about upcoming events, please contact the McIndoes Academy Community Center at www.mcindoesacademy.org.

 

Former Educators George and Esther Tyler Honored with Room Dedication

June 11, 2024
McIndoe Falls, Vermont – May 26, 2024 – The McIndoes Academy Community Center trustees proudly announce the dedication of the former north classroom to the memory of George and Esther Tyler, longtime educators at McIndoes Academy. The dedication ceremony, held on May 25th, was attended by Tyler family members, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who traveled from as far as Minnesota. The event coincided with the annual McIndoes Academy reunion weekend and drew many Academy graduates for the celebration of their legacy. George Tyler was born in 1909 in West Newbury, and Esther (Staadt) Tyler was also born in 1909 in Zanesville, Ohio. Their paths first crossed at Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio, where George studied geology and Esther furthered her lifelong passion, music. George’s promised job in South American mining was canceled by the revolution. With jobs difficult to find in the Depression Era, he took on the principalship of McIndoes Academy in 1931 at 22 years of age. The two were married in 1934, and she joined him at McIndoes Academy during the 1934-35 school year. Following periods at secondary schools in Bakersfield, Williamstown, and Enosburg Falls, Vermont, they returned to McIndoes Academy in 1957 and remained through its closure in 1969. The dedication ceremony featured remarks from McIndoes Academy graduates Wallace and Roger Thrall. George and Esther Tyler's unwavering dedication to education left an indelible mark on the McIndoes Academy community and shaped the lives of countless students over the years. The Tyler Room will be a fitting tribute to their enduring legacy and will provide a space for community members to gather, learn, and celebrate.

We Are Hiring!

June 11, 2024
MCINDOES ACADEMY COMMUNITY CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The McIndoes Academy Community Center is seeking qualified candidates for this part-time position. The successful applicant will be well-organized, energetic, detail-oriented, and comfortable with public speaking. Competency with Microsoft Office and Quickbooks is required. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the organization’s administration, programs, finances, budget, and strategic plan. Other essential duties include marketing, community outreach, and fundraising. To review the complete job description, select: Executive Director Job Description Come join our team as we continue with the creation of this dynamic community center serving the Connecticut River Valley in our Historic McIndoes Academy building. Our Mission: As a self-sustaining and all-inclusive community center, McIndoes Academy Community Center will continue its enduring educational purpose, enrich the region with events and activities and inspire an appreciation of local history. Interested candidates: Please email your resume and cover letter to: Wallace Thrall w.thrall@mcindoesacademy.org

McIndoe Falls Academy Awarded $100,000

March 24, 2024
Reprinted from the Caledonian Record March 23, 2024: The Preservation Trust of Vermont announced Friday that the McIndoeFalls Academy was awarded a $100,000 Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization grant to rehabilitate the former academy building into a community center. Constructed in 1853, the Greek Revival-style academy building has been the focus of village life for nearly 175 years. The building, which served as a school until 1969, has been stewarded by the Academy Trustees for over 50 years. The rehabilitation of the Academy of Vermont, in partnership with the National Parks Service, is excited to support projects like the McIndoes Academy that will help preserve and revitalize Vermont’s rural communities,” said Ben Doyle, PTV president. “We congratulate the community champions who are leading this work and thank Senator Sanders, Senator Welch, and Congresswoman Balint for their support of this wonderful program. We would also like to acknowledge former Senator Leahy, for his work in establishing this Fund administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior." The program supports the preservation and restoration of buildings and community gathering spaces of economic and social significance in rural communities with fewer than 7500 residents. Additional recipients of the Bruhn Historic Revitalization subgrants include the Marshfield Village Store, the Kimball Public Library in Randolph, the Skinner Block in Royalton, and the Starksboro Village Meeting. “We are glad to see this federal funding support the preservation of historic sites in rural communities throughout Vermont. Each recipient represents a unique part of our state’s history and, thanks to the good work of the PreservationTrust of Vermont, will remain protected and preserved long into the future,” said Sen. Sanders, Sen. Welch, and Rep. Balint. “We look forward to seeing the role these historic community sites will play for generations to come.
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