Determined that the Word of God must be available to all, the East Parish Congregational Church was organized on October 5, 1788 with thirty-seven members. The original church edifice was a simple two-story pine building located near North Main and North Streets. The original church structure became too small and a second one was dedicated in 1821 at the corner of North Main Street and Aiken Place. The population shift dictated a church be built nearer Merchants Row to accommodate our many worshippers. The present church building was dedicated June 14, 1860. In 1890, the Church Fathers, representing the opinion of many parishioners, felt the need to have the interior redesigned. The project would also mean a general redecorating throughout, including the Chapel, then located beyond the Sanctuary above the main floor. By April 1891, the substantial sum of $10,000 had been pledged and reconstruction was about to begin. All during the summer and fall of 1891, the Sanctuary was in disarray. Every clear glass window was replaced with leaded stained glass windows designed by George Bennett of Manchester, Vermont. The gas chandelier was replaced by electric lights. Front and rear balconies were built, which provided a sloping loft in the front big enough to accommodate a thirty-six voice choir. Close calculations were required to match the existing décor of the side balconies to bring them into perfect alignment behind the new pulpit bench. About mid-summer of 1891, the Chapel roof was being completely rebuilt, as the church parlor, the dining room, kitchen and rest rooms were being redecorated. A new heating system was installed to replace the wood burning space heaters. The one ninety foot high steeple, swaying dangerously in high winds, with anchors at the base loose and shifting, demanded immediate attention. Before bracing timbers could be passed up through the base of the steeple, the entire organ, which occupied the big room behind the present Memorial Window had to be dismantled pipe by pipe and moved out of the way, together with its bellows, wind chests, and beautiful organ case. The original builders of the organ, E.G. Hook of Worcester, MA, sent a qualified crew to Rutland by train to handle this major relocation of the organ. During the steeple repair, many workmen were simultaneously finishing the front and rear balconies, wiring the church for electricity, installing radiators, plumbing and furnaces for the heating system, preparing the organ chamber behind the choir loft and installing the stained glass windows. When the dirt and dust had been cleaned from the Sanctuary, several thousand organ pipes were cleaned and tuned to perfect pitch. As Christmas approached in 1891, final details were taken care of: the placement of the newly built Bible stand, the new pulpit, the flower stands, the pulpit benches, the Baptismal font and new carpets. The eight-month renovation of the Sanctuary and Chapel was completed in December of 1891 at a total cost of $13, 600, with only $2000 remaining debt.