Our Rich History
The first building on this site was a church built in 1840. After it was consumed by fire in 1851, a second church was erected in 1865. With the addition of a few necessary renovations and upgrades, the building remains largely unchanged to this date.
An important feature of the building is the town clock, which was donated to the Town of Morristown by Samuel Pennock in 1883. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the church bells served as the fire alarm for the Morrisville Fire Department. Electric lights were installed in 1895.
The steeple is the highest point in the village and immediately visible to people coming into the downtown. The clock tower was fully refurbished in 2013.
Today, The Wing Center owns and stewards this historic building, while the Town of Morristown continues to own and maintain the Town Clock. For many decades, the clock has been cared for by Stemwinder, Dave Lowe, whose knowledge of both the timepiece and the building helps preserve this treasured landmark.
From Church to Senior Center
In 1965, with waning church membership, the property was donated to the Lamoille County Civic Association where it operated as a senior center for decades. Community meetings, game days, potlucks, blood drives, and music jams were common occurrences. Meals on Wheels rented out the commercial kitchen on a full-time basis for many years, but eventually moved on to a larger space.
Gloria Wing
In October 2023, the building was renamed The Wing Center in honor of Gloria Wing, who devoted 70 years of her life to serving the town and spent decades leading and caring for the Senior Center.
A year later, on October 28, 2024, Gloria gained her wings.
Her presence can still be felt throughout this building, in the community she loved, and in the many lives she touched. Her wisdom, dedication, and unwavering commitment to others continue to guide us as we carry her legacy forward.
From Senior Center to Community Center
Like many community organizations, the Senior Center faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. With participation declining and an aging Board of Directors, its dedicated volunteers recognized that change was needed. By bringing in a consultant, they embarked on a journey to reimagine the organization and its future.
What emerged was a renewed vision: The Wing Center—a welcoming, multi-generational hub where people can gather for wellness, education, celebrations, meetings, and community connection.
As part of that transformation, the interior of the building was redesigned to create rental opportunities that generate ongoing revenue and help support the building’s future. Today, the office space is home to Green Mountain Birth Center, and the commercial kitchen is leased to Bridge Street Breads.
Honoring those who made a difference
Throughout the years, several people have played significant roles in the history of the organization. Their dedication, service, and commitment to this community helped preserve not only the organization, but also this beautiful building.
A champion for seniors & skilled fiddler
Barb McAlister
Barb was a driving force in the Lamoille County Senior Center, serving as President for 12 years, from 1992 to 2004. The Center was truly the love of her life.
A dedicated handyman & cherished friend
Lawrence Earle
For more than 30 years, Lawrence devoted himself to the Senior Center. A skilled handyman, he made countless renovations and repairs to the building, saving the organization thousands of dollars.
In 2013, a mural was painted inside the building depicting all the seasons of Vermont. The man featured in the mural is Lawrence, a fitting tribute to the many years he devoted to the building.
Deeply committed & selfless
Bob & Sally Harter
The Harters gave decades of service to the Senior Center, helping to shape it's direction.
They played a significant role in creating a partnership with Meals on Wheels, which ran their operations out of the building for many years.
Bob led the effort to commission a local artist to create the mural that sits in what is now called Harter Hall, in honor of Bob and Sally.
Left an incredible legacy
Gloria Wing
Gloria was one of our community's most cherished citizens. Her tireless volunteer work touched every corner of Morrisville, especially the Senior Center which was renamed The Wing Center in her honor in 2023.
Gloria served as President of the organization from 2004 until just three months before her passing in October 2024.
We also pay tribute to all those who volunteered their time, talents, and dedication throughout the years—even those whose names may have been lost to history. As we uncover more of our past, we will continue to add to and preserve our story. If you know of someone who deserves to be remembered here, we would love to hear from you.