You will recall the little church in Ephraim where you gave
us your historical address a few years ago. This church was
built in 1857, dedicated in 1859, and has been in continuous
use ever since.
I have wondered if there is any older church still in use in
Wisconsin. I have gone through the records of two-thirds of
the counties of the state and, while I have found that many
churches were erected prior to this, these have all been
superseded by later structures. I wonder if your staff can
give me any assistance in ascertaining the existence of any
older house of worship?
H. R. HOLAND,
_Ephraim, Wisconsin_.
One of the oldest church buildings in Wisconsin is undoubtedly that
known as The Old Mission on Madelaine Island. This was built in 1839
and dedicated in 1840 for the American Board of Home Missions, now
part of the Presbyterian denomination. This building is now used for
worship at least during the summer season, but has not been so
employed consecutively, as it was closed in the fifties and not
reopened until 1892. In 1901 is was removed to its present location,
and restored and redecorated in 1915.
The oldest frame church in Wisconsin was built in 1839 at Kellogg’s
Corners, now Sylvania, in Racine County, for the use of the Methodist
denomination. So far as we can ascertain, the old church is still
standing, but whether or not it is now used for service we are not
informed.
There is a country church near Waterford in Racine County which was
built in 1846 and is still in excellent condition and in active use.
Only last year it was thoroughly renovated at a cost of some
$3,500--several times as much as the original cost of the building.
This church stands in what is known as the English Settlement by
reason of the fact that the community was largely settled by
immigrants from England in the early forties. The church is unique
both in its organization and in its history.
It is evident, therefore, that while your church at Ephraim may be
among the older structures of the state still used for religious
services, it cannot claim the honor of priority in this respect.