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Town of Pownal v Church

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Join the community conversation on Pownal VT matters. Share your thoughts, stay informed, and help shape the future of our town. Together, we make Pownal better.

Your Voice, Pownal's Future

A legal dispute between town officials and the Pownal Center Church over ownership has sparked discussion among residents. Currently, this site focuses on that issue, but we plan to expand to other town matters as they arise. We will provide updates as new information becomes available.

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<h3>Empowering the Community of Pownal</h3>FreePownal is dedicated to creating a vibrant platform where the residents of Pownal can freely express their opinions, share ideas, and engage in meaningful discussions about local matters. Our mission is to empower the community by providing a safe and open space for public voice, ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to be heard and contribute to the growth and well-being of Pownal.<h3>Who are you?</h3>Our group consists of independent researchers, students (including law), business owners, those of various faiths or not tied to any religion. FreePownal specializes in fostering connections between residents, local leaders, and organizations. Our team is skilled in managing online forums, organizing community events, and promoting initiatives that reflect the collective interests of Pownal’s citizens.<h3>Unique Services Tailored to Pownal’s Needs</h3>FreePownal will soon offer tailored services including moderated discussion boards, real-time polls on pressing local issues, and a resource hub featuring news, event calendars, and community project updates. What sets us apart is our commitment to inclusivity and responsiveness; we actively listen to feedback and continuously adapt our platform to better serve the diverse voices of Pownal.*The content on this site/blog represents the personal opinions and interpretations of the author(s) based on publicly available information. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy and fairness, the information is presented for informational and opinion purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or factual reporting. The sources used are publicly accessible, and the content is pieced together to provide perspective and commentary. Readers are encouraged to verify facts independently and form their own conclusions. The site/blog and its authors disclaim any liability for actions taken based on the information provided herein. This site is in not affiliated with the Town of Pownal, The Pownal Community Church or the Facebook group, PownalMatters."Kämpfe für das, was richtig ist"

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<h4>Pownal's Church Ownership Saga: A Taxpayer's Nightmare of Constitutional Proportions</h4>In a small Vermont town, local officials are burning through taxpayer money to wage a bizarre legal battle over a 230-year-old church.The Quotes That Tell the Real Story"We're taking that [church] property, or we're finding out what our options are to take the property." — Pownal Selectperson"I went to Sunday school in the basement!" — Selectboard Chair, showing this is deeply personal, not just a legal matterThe Shocking Admission of ConfusionTown officials have essentially admitted they have no idea what they're doing. Consider these jaw-dropping statements:<ul><li>Town Counsel Bob Fisher: “It’s not like you have an absolute fresh deed on this that says the town owns it.”(4/25/24, 56:44)</li><li>Pownal Executive Assistant: "I have not had a lot of luck [researching ownership]… I'm very confused of how that agreement works."</li><li>Yet, later stated: "we own the church and that it’s at the church groups pleasure to use it how they see fit.”&nbsp;(12/28/23, 18:26)</li><li>Selectperson: We didn’t get the grant because it [the church] wasn’t in our ownership.”Assistant replied: “Yeah.”&nbsp;(12/28/23, 20:55</li><li>Selectboard Chair: "I don't think there's a definitive answer that anyone can give us on who owns the church property."</li><li>Town Liaison: "we don’t have the power to force the church building itself to be used for community involvement since we don’t own it.”</li></ul>Despite the confusion, the town proceeded to aggressively fight for ownership of this church building in court, with YOUR money. This isn't cheap and it gets worse:The Constitutional MinefieldThis isn't just a local squabble – it's a potential violation of fundamental constitutional rights. The town is attempting to:<ul><li>Claim ownership of an active Christian church</li><li>Then offer a $1 per year, 99-year lease to ONLY one Christian congregation</li><li>Use taxpayer money to fight in court with no clear evidence of ownership other than "we want it"</li></ul>The idea that the town should have ownership of an active Christian church, is an arrangement that is explicitly prohibited under both the U.S. Constitution and the Vermont Constitution:⦁ U.S. Constitution — First Amendment (Establishment Clause).⦁ Vermont Constitution — Chapter I, Article 3 (Compelled Support Clause); Chapter I, Article 7 (Common Benefits Clause).:The Exciting TwistA town committee established to determine the fate of the old town office has made a surprising discovery: the town has no clear proof of ownership of the land. With limited resources to manage the property, the committee's findings have left the town's plans for the old office in limbo.Notably, the town has yet to release the committee's report, which appears to contradict the town's current stance in a separate dispute with the local church. In that dispute, the town has argued that it should take on the role of landlord for the church's property. The committee's findings, however, suggest that the town may not have the capacity or even the ownership rights to do so.Selectboard public comments reveal the true motivation:"The church is an absolute iconic building in the town... From my own personal view... it definitely has the potential to be a drawing card.""my kids were baptized there!.”“I’ve got a vested interest, I guess so.”Translation: This isn't about ownership. This is about control.The Potential ConsequencesIf the town wins:<ul><li>The church congregation leaves</li><li>Taxpayers foot the bill for repairs and maintenance of a 230-year-old building</li><li>Potential lawsuits from residents challenging unconstitutional actions</li></ul>The Latest DevelopmentJanuary 16, 2026 Update: In a judicial smackdown, Judge Barra delivers a knockout punch to Pownal's legal fantasy, roundly rejecting the town's desperate attempt to get this lawsuit dismissed. The town's response? Double down and charge forward – because apparently, burning through taxpayer money is a spectator sport in Pownal.A Satirical Warning"If you live in Pownal, you might want to start treating Sunday service like municipal business, because when your town fights this hard to own a church, you may as well grab a pew and enjoy the taxpayer-funded blessings."<h4>Why This Matters</h4>This isn't just about one church or one town. It's about:<ul><li>Protecting constitutional rights</li><li>Preventing government overreach</li><li>Ensuring responsible use of taxpayer funds</li></ul>

Town of Pownal vs Church 2026

<h4>Pownal's Church Controversy: A Simple Guide for Pownal Taxpayers</h4>Your town is spending YOUR money to fight a legal battle to own a church.The Story in a Nutshell:<ul><li>The Town of Pownal is fighting in court asserting ownership of a 230-year-old church</li><li>They have no documented proof they own the building</li><li>The church says: "We own the church"</li><li>Town says "but WE WANT IT"</li><li>They're spending YOUR tax dollars to fight a lawsuit to get it.&nbsp;</li></ul>The Jaw-Dropping ConfusionListen to the town officials in their own words:"I don't think there's a definitive answer that anyone can give us on who owns the church property." — Selectboard Chair Mike"I have not had a lot of luck [researching ownership]… I'm very confused." — Town Executive Assistant TaraWell if the town is this confused, and can't find any records to back up this fight surely the towns official attorney can figure it out. Lets see what he says after being HIRED to find out&nbsp;“It’s not like you have an absolute fresh deed on this that says the town owns it.”It gets worse:&nbsp;“The best option would be for the church to absolutely quitclaim any and all legal interest in and to the building and the [church] property… to the town so that the town is the owner.”(Robert Fisher, Town Cousel - Town meeting Youtube: 4/25/24, 56:44, 45:36)Key Red Flags:<ul><li>No original deed</li><li>No clear title</li><li>Contradictory statements by town officials</li><li>Admitted lack of ownership documentation</li></ul>The Crazy Part: They're Still Fighting<ul><li>Spending taxpayer money on legal fees</li><li>Attempting to control an active church building</li></ul>Constitutional Warning Lights 🚨This isn't just a local dispute. The town might be violating:<ul><li>Vermont Constitution</li><li>First Amendment rights</li><li>Principles of government neutrality</li></ul>The Current SituationJanuary 16, 2026 Update:<ul><li>Lawsuit is ongoing</li><li>Judge denied town's attempt to dismiss the case. This will go to trail.</li><li>Legal fees continue to pile up</li></ul>Why Should You Care?This is YOUR money being spent on a fight the town can't prove it should be fighting.The Bottom LineThe town is spending YOUR tax dollars to own a church they can't prove they own, potentially breaking multiple constitutional laws in the process.A Message to Pownal Residents"If your town is fighting this hard to own a church, you might as well grab a pew and enjoy the taxpayer-funded blessings."<h4>Quick FAQ</h4>Q: How much money are they spending? A: The exact amount isn't clear, but legal fees are mounting with no end in sight. A trail can take years and hundreds of thousand dollars.Q: Why are they doing this? A: Not clear. The public should know why the current selectboard is continuing this fight. "We used to use the church basement in the 1800's" doesn't cut it for a legal expense of this magnitude.Q: Can they actually own an active church? A: Legally, probably not. Multiple constitutional protections prevent government from owning and controlling an active religious building.Q: What did the town tell the court? A: They stated as fact:&nbsp;"Around 1790, a congregation in Pownal raised funds and built a church at the Property.”“Since its inception, the Property has operated as a religious site of worship.”— Town of Pownal, Court Filing 25-CV-01511Q: Isn't the town just trying to help the church? A: Should the town's even be in the church business? The people have spoken, they don't want the town running a church.Q: What can I do? A: Let your town and state officials know that you do not want your money being spent on this.&nbsp;

1. Bennington Banner, Funds raised to raise Steeple, March 28, 20072. Bennington Banner, Community Center Church is Suing the Town of Pownal:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.benningtonbanner.com/local-news/community-center-church-is-suing-the-town-of-pownal/article_1140003e-45ee-4276-aab3-63241b381a46.html">https://www.benningtonbanner.com/local-news/community-center-church-is-suing-the-town-of-pownal/article_1140003e-45ee-4276-aab3-63241b381a46.html</a>3. Town of Pownal select board meeting 4/25/24.YouTube link: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn9B_5GURrM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn9B_5GURrM</a>4. Town of Pownal select board meeting 12/28/2023YouTube link: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2LRiCGL7PQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2LRiCGL7PQ</a>5. Town of Pownal select board meeting 1/11/2024 &nbsp;YouTube link: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQtmhzVx1ZM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQtmhzVx1ZM</a>6. Town of Pownal select board meeting<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJHSI5rAXf8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJHSI5rAXf8</a>7. Pownal Center Community Church website:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pownalcenterchurch.com/2024/09/17/new-roof/">https://pownalcenterchurch.com/2024/09/17/new-roof/</a>8. &nbsp;Swift, David. Vermont Division of Wastewater Management. Statement referenced in notes to the Pownal Selectboard, May, 1995: he has “Serious doubts the town owns the land on which the Old Town Office sits.”9. Pownal Center Community Church v. Town of Pownal, Docket No. 25-CV-01511 (Vt. Super. Ct., Bennington Unit).10. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://vtdigger.org/2025/06/03/centuries-old-church-takes-pownal-to-court-over-property-rights/">https://vtdigger.org/2025/06/03/centuries-old-church-takes-pownal-to-court-over-property-rights/</a>11: Town of Pownal select board meeting<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-CjRHXy7o0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-CjRHXy7o0</a>12 . Examples of Vermont municipalities owning former church buildings include the Richmond Round Church in Richmond, VT (built 1812–1813 and now town-owned and used for civic and historic purposes) and the Ripton Community House in Ripton, VT (originally the 1864 Congregational church, later deeded to the town and now used as a community hall). In both cases, the buildings had ceased functioning as active churches before becoming municipal property.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ripton_Community_House">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ripton_Community_House</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Round_Church_(Richmond,_Vermont)">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Round_Church_(Richmond,_Vermont)</a>13. Email Public Records Request dates:Jun 2, 2022 10:57:36 AMOct 19, 2023, 1:34 PMDec 27, 2022 10:32:49 AMJan. 17, 2024 5:04:37 PMJan. 8, 2024 9:25 PM,14. Bennington Banner: Pownal wants to clarify historic church ownership agreement, May 1, 202415: Bennington Banner: Pownal Select board want to clarify the ownership agreements with community church, Dec 29, 2023

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