Property Record
716 COLLEGE AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH |
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| Other Name: | FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 10782 |
| Location (Address): | 716 COLLEGE AVE |
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| County: | Racine |
| City: | Racine |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1851 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 2009 |
| Historic Use: | church |
| Architectural Style: | Greek Revival |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | LUCAS BRADLEY |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | First Presbyterian Church |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 3/20/1973 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/1/1989 |
| National Register Multiple Property Name: |
| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the State Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation. This beautifully proportioned example of Greek Revival architecture is the masterpiece of Racine's most celebrated architect, Lucas Bradley. Flanking the recessed porch, which is supported by two stone Doric columns, are four brick pilasters which support a triglyph frieze, also made of CCB. The spectacular belfry and spire are reminiscent of the English Renaissance designs in London by James Gibbs (1682-1754) and Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723). The spire has been hit and damaged three times by lightning. Map code originally CT #/#; the CT presumably meant city and was stripped off. Designed by Lucas Bradley (1809-1889), Racine's first architect. Previously surveyed in 1975. The First Presbyterian Church is the oldest remaining church building in Racine. The decision to form a church was made on February 13, 1839. Construction began in 1851 when the congregation had only 54 members. There were women who made their pledges by turning their homes into boarding houses for the construction workers. The lot was purchased for $1,200 and the church was built at a cost of $10,600. The architect and builder, Louis Bradley, was also an elder of the church. He opened lumber yards and a hardwood factory in Racine. The church has 138 pews on the main floor. In addition to 18 pews, the balcony housed the church melodeon, later a harmonium, and then the church organ. The organ was moved to its present location in 1886. The church bell was purchased by the ladies of the congregation in 1855 and was also used as the city fire bell. 2009: "Racine's First Presbyterian Church was built in 1851 in the Greek Revival style by celebrated local architect Lucas Bradley. The church is rectangular in plan and is of brick construction. The building has a low-pitched gable roof with a louvered bell tower and wooden spire. The facade is symmetrical and pedimented with a recessed porch supported by two stone Doric columns. The porch is flanked by four brick pilasters that support a triglyph frieze. In the 1940s, an addition housing Sunday school rooms and offices was built at the south end of the church; in 1956, a chapel was added at the end of the south addition." |
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| Bibliographic References: | Racine Journal Times, 06/25/1995 & 04/27/1997. Historic 6th St. Business District Walking Tour Guide, 1990. Preservation Racine Tour of Historic Places Guidebook, 2008. "Architecture/History Survey of 7th Street from 9th Street to Main Street in the city of Racine, WI. October, 2009. WHS Project #10-0922, Prepared by Gail Klein." Perrin, Richard W. E.,Historic Wisconsin Architecture, First Revised Edition (Milwaukee, 1976). Renewing Our Roots: A Guide To Racine, Wisconsin, Central City, Southside, Preservation-Racine, 1977. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |