As we step toward 250 years of history in this Meetinghouse, we recognize the significance of this anniversary for Ridgebury and for this place we share.
We honor the history. We cherish the courage of those who gathered here in 1776–1777 to wrestle with war, conscience, covenant, and community. We remember the votes taken three times, the neighbors who disagreed and yet remained neighbors. We remember that this Meetinghouse has endured not because it avoided difficulty—but because it was a place where conscience was honored and community was formed.
But we are not simply curators of the past. We are stewards of the future.
Over the past several years, with your help, we have accomplished something remarkable:
Preserving and revitalizing this historic campus as a living community commons
Launching the Market Café as a welcoming “third place” where neighbors gather
Engaging youth leadership in environmental, social action, and service initiatives
Building partnerships across civic, educational, and local business communities
Preparing new pathways for connection and formation with leaders of all ages
These are not small accomplishments. They are signs of life—evidence that this Meetinghouse continues to serve the community in ways our founders would recognize and celebrate.
Yet sustaining and growing this vision requires something more than good ideas. It requires participation, commitment, and shared support. As we build toward the next horizon, we invite you to support this next phase of our mission:
- Steward our historic campus into a living demonstration site for regenerative community life—where land, people, and purpose are woven together in ways others can learn from and replicate
- Design the Market Café as true relational infrastructure—a welcoming third place that fosters belonging, supports local enterprise, and cultivates meaningful connection
- Form an intergenerational leadership pipeline—equipping youth and adults alike to grow into wise, grounded leaders who contribute to the flourishing of their communities
- Convene a cross-sector ecosystem of partners—hosting conversations and collaborations that engage the complex challenges of our time
- Guide people through coherent formational pathways—inviting leaders at every stage of life into a journey of becoming that integrates wellbeing, creativity, community, and wise leadership
In the coming weeks, we will share more about ways you can participate—through involvement, volunteering, and financial support—to help bring this vision more fully to life.
In the meantime, we welcome your thoughts, questions, and ideas. If there are conversations you feel are needed, we would be honored to co-create them with you.
Together, we are not only remembering—we are becoming.
With gratitude,
Deborah Rundlett
Founding Director, The Meetinghouse
