About Us

Mission

The mission of the Brick Meeting House Foundation, Inc. (the Foundation) is to maintain and preserve the Brick Meeting House, a national treasure and town landmark, located in the historic and picturesque village of Grafton, VT. The Brick Meeting House will be used as a meeting space for members of the community, other not-for-profit organizations, cultural events, historic talks, panel discussions, educational workshops, weddings, etc. Some events will be free and/or by donation.

The Foundation’s funding will primarily be through donations. To generate additional liquidity to help pay for the upkeep and maintenance, the Brick Meeting House may also be rented out for events, such as weddings.

History

The Brick Meeting House is, and has been, a vital element in the history of Grafton, VT. Constructed in 1833, and originally called the South Congregational Church, it served the town for many years as place of worship. Generations of Grafton citizens have been baptized, married, and eulogized within its walls. Around 1900, the renowned architect, Stanford White, encouraged his colleagues to visit Grafton for the sole purpose of examining one of the first examples of American architecture to blend Gothic revival and Greek revival elements in its design. 
As years passed and religious fervor faded, it became ever more difficult for the diminishing congregation to maintain the building. After several decades of neglect, its deterioration reached a critical point and the building, which by then was rarely used for services, was sold for one dollar to the Grafton Historical Society with the agreement that its restoration would be undertaken. Thus began a “whole town” project and highly skilled tradesmen, planners, and financial contributors set to work. Not only was there a sense of history being saved, but a heightened awareness of the unique architectural value of the building was resurrected. 

Work continued on the Meeting House for several years until all the structural problems had been resolved. However, by then the money had been exhausted and the interior of the building as yet had not been touched. Peeling paint, falling plaster, inadequate lighting, and a badly ailing organ were some of what remained to be done. After a couple of years with no progress whatsoever, a group of concerned people came together, pooled their passion, resources, and knowledge and started to advance the work once again. Highly specialized craftsmen were hired, and over a two-year period, the entire interior underwent a marvelous transformation, including a complete restoration of the organ. 

The Brick Meeting House now serves the public as a place for meetings, lectures, concerts, weddings, funerals, etc. It serves also as a testimony to how much Grafton cherishes its history and eagerly shares it with the world at large. The Brick Meeting House Foundation acquired the Brick Meeting House from the Grafton Historical Society in 2023 and is dedicated to its maintenance and preservation.

Board of Directors
Pete Ruegger, President
Tania Evans, Vice President
Joe Pollio, Treasurer
Rebecca Ruegger, Secretary
Elizabeth Pollio
Bill Toomey
John Gregory
Heather Gregory
Dick Desrochers
Kathleen Pajcic
Lynn Field
June Lupiani