The First United Methodist Church had outgrown their old building in downtown Middlebury. The new construction features a 65-foot bell tower that rises high above the rolling hills just south of town. The building is designed to accommodate the growth of their congregation, with the ability to further expand their sanctuary in the future to gain an additional 100 seats.
The common area is not only a social space before and after services but also functions as a fellowship hall for gatherings and wedding receptions, with a full commercial kitchen. Three wings of classrooms—children’s, youth, and adult—each have their own common space. Adult and youth have direct access to the fellowship courtyard, while the children have direct access to the playground.
The site design incorporates the existing picnic pavilion, and new walking trails take advantage of the picturesque landscape.
Key Features:
- 300-seat sanctuary with a mix of pews and chairs
- 200-seat fellowship hall with full-service kitchen
- Children’s, youth, and adult classrooms
- Drive-under canopy and covered entry
- Outdoor fellowship space and playground
- Historic stained glass windows
