Learn about first African-American pastor in Vermont

As we celebrate Black History Month once again, we might ask, “What are the chances that an African American pastor would gather a white congregation in Vermont in the mid-1850’s, then appoint a group of white men as Trustees of their proposed church building, and finally oversee the construction of that building?” Slim to none, you are probably thinking. And yet, that was exactly the case in Wolcott, in 1855 and 1856. His name was the Rev. George S. Brown, and he was the first African American pastor in Vermont.

All are invited to attend a presentation on the Rev. Brown at the Wolcott United Methodist Church on Friday, Feb. 22 at 6:30 p.m., co-sponsored by the Wolcott Historical Society. The Rev. Pat Thompson, church historian, will make a presentation focusing on the Rev. Brown’s experiences in Vermont — in Addison County prior to traveling to Africa as a missionary in 1836, and following his return, first in the Richford/Montgomery area, then in Wolcott from 1855-1857. Light refreshments will be served. Come and learn about a rare piece of African-American history in the Lamoille Valley.

— The Rev. Pat Thompson