FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH (LA CROSSE, WIS.). RECORDS, 1852-1977 (BULK 1852-1913). 1 reel of 35 mm microfilm

Abstract

The records include a financial log book of what appears to be a youth group (1898-1913) of the Norwegian language Baptist church of Halfway Creek, once located east of Holmen in La Crosse County, Wisconsin. Also two volumes of official records which include lists of members and a chronological journal or log of significant church events, 1869-1903. It is believed that the Halfway Creek congregation dissolved and some members merged with the First Baptist Church in the city of La Crosse.

Records of the First Baptist Church are sparse and include a 125th anniversary booklet (1852-1977), and two lists of members: 1852-1901, and members as of Jan. 1912.

All Halfway Creek records were written in the Norwegian language, while those of First Baptist were written in the English language.

There are no sacramental records of either congregation on this microfilm.

Acc. No. 1997-23

Purchased by the Archives with gift funds from the Genealogical Society of Utah with permission of Rev. Mark Hart, Interim Pastor, Oct. 1997; originals filmed in July 1981; GSU control numbers 1306451 & 1306452.

Finding aid written by Anita Taylor Doering, Dec. 1997; translation by Amanda Lambert with help from Helen Brieske, March 1999.

History

No history could be found regarding the Halfway Creek Scandinavian Baptist Church.

On January 22, 1852, the First Baptist Church was organized at the same time and place as the Congregational Church. The church adopted the name First Baptist on January 31, 1852. The first church building was completed in August 1852 at the Courthouse Square on Fourth Street. The second church at 128 S. 6th Street was completed in November 1864 after being planned for eight years. This building was destroyed by fire on February 6, 1866. A new church was completed in 1871.

Another fire occurred on December 18, 1881, partially destroying the building. The church was rebuilt and dedicated on October 15, 1882. In 1892, the church was remodeled and in 1902 a parsonage was built. During 1902-1912, the parsonage was remodeled and the church repaired. A Christian education until was erected in 1955. This church structure was purchased by St. Joseph's Church and razed in order to accommodate a new St. Joseph's Cathedral building.

The fourth church building for the First Baptist Church was dedicated on January 23, 1962. The new church and education building, located at Main Street and West Avenue, is an L-shaped structure of contemporary design. The sanctuary seats 260 people. Yet another fire struck the congregation on January 11, 1997; however, the damage was confined mainly to the roof and storage areas of the church.

Scope and Content

These records mainly are of the Halfway Creek Baptist Church, which was located near Holmen, Wisconsin, and contain a financial log book of what appears to be a youth group (1898-1913). Two volumes of official church records include lists of members and a chronological journal or log of significant church events, 1869-1903. These records are written in the Norwegian language.

The records of the First Baptist Church, La Crosse, Wisconsin, contain only an anniversary booklet from 1977, and lists of members: 1852-1901 and a list as of Jan. 1, 1912.

There are no sacramental records of either congregation on this microfilm.