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Summary
Calvary Baptist Church
2959 North Teutonia Avenue, Milwaukee, Milwaukee County
Architect: William Wenzler & Associates (architect); Herbert Jaeger & Assoc., Inc. (contractor)
Date of Construction: 1971
Calvary Baptist Church was constructed in 1971 for Milwaukee’s oldest African American Baptist religious congregation. The church was designed and built during a time of growing interest in African history and culture among Black Americans. Architect William Wenzler’s design for the church drew on traditional building forms from Cameroon and combined them with the organic, sculptural forms of the Neo-Expressionism style. The resulting church is both an outstanding local example of Neo-Expressionism as well as a striking embodiment of the African cultural heritage of its Black congregation.
Property Details
| Criteria | Architecture/Engineering |
|---|---|
| Area Of Significance | Architecture |
| Period of Significance | 1971 |
| Architectural Style | Modern Movement |
| Architect | W.p. Wenzler And Associates, Inc.,Herbert Jaeger and Associates (contractor) |
| Resource Type | Building |
| Historic Use | Religious Facility |
Resources Within The Property
| Contributing Buildings | 1 |
|---|---|
| Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Contributing Objects | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Buildings | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Objects | 0 |
Designations
| Historic Status | Listed in the State Register |
|---|---|
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Feb 27, 2026 |
| Historic Status | Listed in the National Register |
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Jul 10, 2026 |
State & National Registers of Historic Places
The State Register and National Register recognize buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that are significant in national, state, or local history. The State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the National Park Service maintains the list for Wisconsin and makes the data available to the public for research and education.
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Calvary Baptist Church Listed in the State Register of Historic Places
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
The Wisconsin Historical Society announces the listing of Calvary Baptist Church in Milwaukee on the State Register of Historic Places.
Calvary Baptist Church Listed in the National Register of Historic Places
Monday, July 20, 2026
Calvary Baptist Church Listed in the National Register of Historic Places
1727 N Vel R. Phillips Ave (AKA 1727 N 4TH ST)
109103
Located in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County
