FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH (LA CROSSE, WIS.). RECORDS, 1859-1936. 1 reel of 35 mm microfilm

Abstract

Records of First Congregational Church, 1859-1936, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, which is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. Records include congregational minutes, 1859-1883; lists of members received and removed, 1852-1915; baptisms, 1882-1936; and marriages, 1888-1936.

Acc. No. 1997-23

Purchased by the Archives with gift funds from the Genealogical Society of Utah with permission of Rev. Jerry Jordan, Oct. 1997; originals filmed in July 1981; GSU control number 1306452.

Finding aid written by Anita Taylor Doering, Dec. 1997.

History

Organized on January 22, 1852, the First Congregational Church is the second oldest church in La Crosse. On this day, twelve Congregationalists and Presbyterians formed a union church, and at the same time and place the First Baptist Church was being established at the home of S.T. Smith. The First Congregational Church became a member of the Presbyterian and Congregational Convention of Wisconsin in October of 1855. A separate Presbyterian Church was organized in 1866.

Until a lot at the southeast corner of Fourth and Jay Streets was donated by Peter Cameron for the completion of a church in December 1855, the members met at various locations such as the old wooden courthouse and the Old Third Ward brick school house. In 1870 the church at Fourth and Jay Streets was sold to the Norwegian Lutheran Church. A new church was built on the corner of Seventh and Main Streets in an American Gothic style. This building was partially razed after it was found to be structurally unsound, leaving only the 1931 addition across the back. The third church building was constructed at Losey Boulevard and Main Street with a dedication of the new church being held on September 13, 1953. The church at 2503 Main Street is a multi-level, flat-roofed structure with a Winona stone exterior. It is also complete with a large educational wing. Remodeling efforts of the fellowship hall and sanctuary have been accomplished in the 1990s. ¹

¹Haas, Charles E. Bless the Work of Our Hands (La Crosse, WI : First Congregational Church), 1984.

Scope and Content

Records of First Congregational Church, 1859-1936, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, which is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. Records include congregational minutes, 1859-1883; lists of members received and removed, 1852-1915; baptisms, 1882-1936; and marriages, 1888-1936. Despite the early date of organization, the sacramental records do not begin until 1882 and 1888.

Originally there were three churches on this reel of microfilm. For patron ease, these have been spliced apart. As a result, this reel starts with item 5 instead of being labelled item 1. If the original volume had pagination (page numbers), then these are included in the reel list below.