The Old West Church connects families and communities, local and distant, to the past, present, and future.  Built in 1823, its listing on the National Register of Historic Places signifies a unique representation of our social and architectural history. Our mission is to preserve, conserve and administer the Old West Church meeting house and property. To encourage the use of the meetinghouse for worship and civic, cultural and family events in keeping with the traditions, and in the best interests of the Calais community.

The Christmas Eve service at the Old West Church began very informally in the early 1950s with just a few families led in song by June Morse (the OWC musical director) playing an old upright piano. When it was too cold they skipped the service! It has grown into a yearly event with people coming to experience a non-denominational service lit only by the gentle glow of candles and warmed by the heat of those packed together in the pews.

If you have occasion to drive by the Old West Church it simply gleams with new paint and restored steeple.  These are physical manifestations of the generosity of our community and the many volunteers that lend their efforts to maintaining this special place.  Leading up to our 200 year celebration in 2023 will be additional efforts inside and outside of the building to continue to maintain its pristine condition.  We will keep you apprised! EXCITING NEWS! The bell that rings out across Calais from the steeple of the Old West Church has been fully restored! Special thanks to Cindy and Mack and John Gardner-Morse, Peter Harvey, members of the OWC Building Committee, and Doug Gomez of the University Vermont Physics Department, who machined a special bracket for the restoration. To read about the restoration process, just follow this link:  Bell Restoration