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RFP Request for Proposals
Clarendon Heritage is excited to invite contractors to bid on work to restore Chapel 1871 in North Clarendon Village. We are looking for experienced vendors and tradesman for this projects.
For details, see the full request for proposals and online application. Apply
Please share the link to the request for proposals with any area tradesman that may be interested.
All proposals are due at midnight on January 15, 2026.
Good News 12/1/25
By Nicolette Asselin
Following a positive response at Town meeting, the Chapel 1871 is slowly taking its new look for it’s next purpose.
A vote is due to be held at next year’s years elections.
Here are the detailed updates.
Ceiling
Being evaluated for clean-up, stabilization and painting.
Windows
In November Clark’s Glass has replaced all the broken windows of the main hall. Next plan is to start on the front two windows and add external protection so all board can be removed to show one again the stain-glass windows of the Chapel.
Siding repairs
Next the siding will be prepared for painting that will start in Spring of 2026.
Clean out and flooring
A clean out is planned on December1st. Next, floors will be assessed for our next steps and office room will be giving priority to allow someone to work there.
Heating
Marcel Oil is looking for the best solution to store fuel oil. The furnace is actually working quite well. An assessment with Lohsen is on the agenda.
Back room, bathroom and back entrance
We have received quotes.
Leadership
New leadership is on it be way. We will do introductions shortly.
Feel free to post your questions.
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Community efforts
- Chapel 1871
See Chapel 1871 Clarendon Heritage work with the Vermont Preservation Trust, received a grant to do an assessment and a plan. Raised money for repairs.
Clarendon has an important history that could bring Clarendon to a better place.
First it is important to secure needed services for its population. Given that the count is less than 25600 it can qualify for many support.
The town has several Village Centers that could be revived and used for the town’s benefits.
Village Center
- North Clarendon
- Chippenhook
- Clarendon Springs with the Clarendon House and Store.
VCLN:
The Vermont Council on Rural Development has several resources to assist communities group interested in trust projects.
- Community Trust A Community Trust helps a community create a momentum for the town.
- Examples
- Village Trust Initiative Community Info Session
- VCLN Legislative Roundup 2024 Workshop
Call to Action
Volunteers needed to create a team to prepare the North Clarendon for it’s rebirth as a Community Cultural and Social Club.
Volunteers are needed for:
- 1. Office
- 2. Landscape Committee
- 3. Interior Design planning
- 4. Art School program for a community project under the leadership of Anne Francey, renown artist in the field of community school program to start in 2026.
- 5. Fundraising for bricks and windows.
Repurposing Meetings 10/15/25 & 10/27/25
Town Meeting October 27th, 2025
October 27th, 2025 at Grange Hall, Clarendon Heritage (CH) will discuss again the repurposing of Chapel 1871 or North Clarendon Chapel.
The community would like to see a Citizen Cultural and Social Club. The chapel had been used as such during the early 1900 according to Steven Sorel. It would follow a known model of Oasis.
In order to achieve this goal Corpwell Foundation in charge of Clarendon Heritage, is asking on behalf of the community for acceptance of the plan and if accepted request from the town to cover some of the cost of repurposing the building to move ahead as the community is in urgent need of this service for it’s citizen.
2025 REPORT
To review past years progress or subscribe for News: Chapel1871.org
If you wish to speak please contact us.
Vermont’s Architectural Heritage
“Vermont’s architectural heritage is important not only to understanding our past but also to the current and future economic vitality of our state,” said Governor Shumlin. “Protecting these historic buildings ensures that we honor our past as we look to the future. The efforts of this year’s grant recipients to preserve important civic and agricultural structures demonstrates their commitment to a vibrant Vermont economy.”
News-December 2019
Would you like to hear the Intact Bell of the North Clarendon Chapel?
National Registry Eligible, Chapel 1871, is going to have a solid roof. We have a dedicated roofer, Jim Mailhiot, who has offered, and been selected, to do the slate repairs and new standing seam back roof.
We have raised for this project 1/2 of what it will take to repair the slate and renew the back roofs. If you want to hear “Intact Bell of the North Clarendon Chapel” or be a key founder of the rebirth of North Clarendon we need another $6000. We have a matching grant. That is any amount given will be matched by the donor by year end. Read more
Bells have been symbolizing the center of town, life and cheers all around the world for centuries. Clarendon untouched village deserves to come to life again for local citizen to enjoy and gather. Read more
Repairs needed
Repaired slate roof
Standing Seam
Historical Society of Clarendon Vermont
Efforts of the Historical Society of Clarendon Vermont has brought forth a world of images attesting to the uniqueness of our town. Visit their website to travel in history and see how laborious they are.
Village Designation
- Any Vermont town, incorporated village chartered to function as a general purpose unit of local government, or a consortium of such entities, is eligible for funding. However, the majority of projects are a coordinated effort between the municipalities, community groups and local or state non-profit organizations or small businesses. Read more
- Benefits
The Village Designation program supports the revitalization efforts of small and medium-sized historic centers. The designation brings financial incentives, training and technical assistance needed to attract vitality to Vermont’s smaller communities.
2020 Goals for Clarendon Heritage
Chapel 1871 will have a solid roof so that we can proceed with other important application for grants to proceed with other repairs: Windows, painting etc… See history and plans.
Clarendon Caves
Caves in Clarendon have been the best kept secret of the town. The Clarendon Historical Society published a video “A Walk to Clarendon Caves”.
News-September 2019
Rutland Herald news
- Grants, donations sought for Chapel Details
- BURLINGTON — The Preservation Trust of Vermont has been awarded $747,000 from the National Park Service, according to Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy. Details
Annual Meeting for Clarendon Heritage:
Decision is made to donate Chapel 1871 to Preservation Trust of Vermont.
Chapel Repair: Report
CLARENDON Heritage 