Property Record
COUNTY HIGHWAY M, .1 M N OF MYHRE RD
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | |
|---|---|
| Other Name: | BIG ELK CREEK LUTHERAN CHURCH |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 3019 |
| Location (Address): | COUNTY HIGHWAY M, .1 M N OF MYHRE RD |
|---|---|
| County: | Chippewa |
| City: | |
| Township/Village: | Wheaton |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | 28 |
| Range: | 10 |
| Direction: | W |
| Section: | 6 |
| Quarter Section: | SE |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: | SE |
| Year Built: | 1915 |
|---|---|
| Additions: | 1971 |
| Survey Date: | 19782015 |
| Historic Use: | church |
| Architectural Style: | Early Gothic Revival |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date: | |
| State Register Listing Date: |
| Additional Information: | [Date Cnst:(CORNERSTONE)] 2015 - Norwegian Lutherans in the Big Elk Creek area first gathered for worship in 1858 in the log home of Lars Anderson. Services of the congregation, which were held strictly in Norwegian until the 1920s, were subsequently hosted by various schools and private homes until a church was built in 1876. The building was destroyed by fire in 1914 after being struck by lightning and the current Big Elk Creek Lutheran Church was constructed the following year. It is a brick building on a coursed rough-cut stone foundation with a prominent central steeple and Gothic arch windows. Adornments include stone window hoods and sills, stained glass, and decorative eave brackets on the tower and belfry. The tower of the steeple also features a round-arch and oxeye window. The front of the building has been dramatically altered by a modern, two-story entry hall addition completed in 1971. The addition dominates the façade and is not compatible with the Late Gothic Revival design of the church. Modern additions have also been made to the rear of the building. The interior has been modernized/redecorated in many areas, though it does appear to retain some elements from the historic period, including tin ceilings, finish trim work, and the church bell. In addition, the pews, altar silver, baptismal font, and organ are salvaged pieces from the original 1876 church. |
|---|---|
| Bibliographic References: |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |