A new lease of life for a former church will be celebrated at a commissioning and dedication ceremony on Saturday, May 24, 2 to 5 p.m.

The Catalyst Church on Raceway in Jericho – a suburban town in Chittenden County – will open a sister church in the former Third Congregational Church at 1095 East US Route 2 in East St. Johnsbury, and will be known as the Catalyst Church on Route 2.

The event will include food, prizes and the chance to connect with church pastors and staff. All are welcome.

Pastor Gilles Gentley, the leader of both Catalyst churches, said the expansion into Caledonia County would extend its ministry and mission to the faithful in Vermont.

“Catalyst Church is experiencing a second coming in St. Johnsbury—a renewed presence marked by bold outreach, community restoration, and the unshakable hope of the Gospel,” said Gentley.

“We’re not just reopening doors—we’re reigniting a mission,” he added. “This is about bringing real hope to real people. We want to be a church that shows up, serves well, and stands strong for St. Johnsbury.”

Gemtley also thanked the church’s sponsors that include Jeff Winn, MMFI, Covered Bridge, and Kingdom Garden.

Catalyst Church on Raceway in Jericho, formerly United Christian Assembly, began as a five-family home bible study group in the early 1980s. 

“It has grown to be a powerful Bible preaching, Bible believing church in the Jericho area,” said church historian Scott Edson. “The church is non-denominational, with a heart to preach the full gospel, believing that everyone should have the opportunity to come to know Jesus and develop a growing relationship with Him. 

“We are excited to now be part of the St. Johnsbury community as well, and bring that same evangelistic vision to the NEK. Come join us,” he added.

“Third Congregational Church was established in 1840,” said church historian Debby Hampsom, who will be joining the congregation at the new Catalyst Church on Route 2. “It was the center of activities for East St. Johnsbury, including Sunday services, school plays, funerals, weddings, family gatherings, and church suppers.

“The 110 years of Old Home Days’ celebrations at the former Third Congregational Church began in 1914,” Hampsom added. “Due to dwindling membership and unable to find a minister, the congregation voted to sell the building, which closed last October. We gave $160,000.00 to local charities as part of that closing process.”

Services at Catalyst Church on Route 2 will begin Sunday, May 25, at 10 a.m.

For more information about Catalyst Church, contact Pastor Gilles Gentley at 802-899-2949 or ggentley74@gmail.comand visit www.catalystvt.org