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St. Monica Church is a Roman Catholic parish church located in Barre, Vermont.

The church is constructed primarily of granite, a material abundant in the Barre region, known for its stone quarries. It features a Gothic Revival architectural style with a prominent bell tower and stained-glass windows. The exterior walls are composed of rough-hewn, grey granite blocks, with smoother, dressed granite used for window surrounds and cornerstones. The roof is pitched and covered with dark slate.

Location & Access Logistics

St. Monica Church is situated at 79 South Main Street in Barre, Vermont. It is approximately 0.5km south of the Barre city center. Parking is available in a dedicated lot behind the church, accessible from South Main Street. Public transport options include the Green Mountain Transit bus route 2, which stops directly in front of the church on South Main Street.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of St. Monica Church began in 1900 and was completed in 1902. The architect was Patrick C. Keely, a prolific church designer. The original purpose was to serve the growing Roman Catholic population in Barre, particularly the immigrant quarry workers. The use of local granite reflects the region's industrial heritage.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the architectural details of the Gothic Revival design. The interior features a large altar and several side chapels. Mass services are held regularly. Photography of the exterior and interior is permitted during non-service hours.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the church hall. Limited shade is provided by mature trees on the church grounds. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally good in this area of Barre. No food vendors are located directly on the church property, but several restaurants and cafes are within a 0.5km radius in the city center.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal natural light within the church, visiting during midday hours (10:00 AM to 2:00 PM) when sunlight can illuminate the stained-glass windows is recommended. The best months for visiting Barre, Vermont, with generally pleasant weather, are from June to September.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical detail is that the granite used for the church was quarried and shaped by parishioners themselves, many of whom worked in Barre's renowned granite quarries. This communal effort underscores the dedication of the early congregation.

Nearby Landmarks

• Barre Opera House (0.3km North)
• Aldrich Public Library (0.4km North)
• Vermont Granite Museum (0.6km Northwest)
• Spaulding High School (0.8km West)