As early as the mid 1870s, the building on this site was being used as a parsonage for the local Methodist Church. Early in 1890, Dr. Chandler M. Scribner bought the building. He soon moved in, practicing his profession as well as residing there. On December 1, 1894, Dr. Scribner conveyed the property to the local Episcopal Society.

Episcopalians had been holding services in Barre for at least four years prior to the purchase of the Scribner property. On Sunday, September 21, 1890, the Reverend James C. Flanders organized the Episcopal "Mission of the Good Shepherd," which held its first services that day in Barre's Central House Hall. Services moved to the Worthen Block in April 1891, and the newly-built Bolster Block in December of that same year. Early in 1892, the Episcopalians began meeting on the third floor of the Nichols Block, continuing there for the next four years.

Dr. Scribner moved his house to a location on nearby Spaulding Street in May 1895. The lot that he sold to the Episcopalians had a frontage of 104 feet and was 108 feet deep. The foundation wall of the new church was laid by Pliny Wheaton, and the cornerstone, on Thursday, June 20. On October 10, the Granite City Leader reported that "the walls of the new church Episcopal church are going up rapidly." The building was roofed over in November.

The last Episcopal service in the Nichols Block was held on February 16, 1896. On Sunday, February 23, 1896 (the First Sunday of Lent) the new church of the Good Shepherd was dedicated by Bishop Arthur C. A. Hall, "who delivered an address and administered the rite of confirmation to a large class."

A 'temporary portico' was added to the church's entrance in January 1912. In April 1913, painters provided improvements to the church's interior. According to the Barre Daily Times, 'mural borders of pleasing appearance' were painted, and the walls were frescoed. The church received permission from the city in October 1914 'to cover roof of [their] barn on Washington Street." This small barn, probably built between 1900 and 1905, stood some distance to the rear of the church.

Russell J. Belding. (2003). From Hitching Posts to Gas Pumps: A History of North Main Street, Barre, Vermont, 1875-1915. Barre, Vermont: Potash Book Publishing, pages 200-202.