Property Record
801 WISCONSIN AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH |
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| Other Name: | FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 11933 |
| Location (Address): | 801 WISCONSIN AVE |
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| County: | Racine |
| City: | Racine |
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| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1876 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1980 |
| Historic Use: | house of worship |
| Architectural Style: | Early Gothic Revival |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Southside Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 10/18/1977 |
| 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 Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office. The unusual cornerstone, at the base of this church's tower, has two sides with sunken panels. One facet contains the date, in raised numbers, and the other has the word "Centennial," which probably refers to the nation's 100th year. Corner towers are not unusual, but this one is set on an angle like St. Luke's Episcopal Church. The tower once had a tall steeple which was blown down in a late 19th century "hurricane". POINTED ARCH WINDOWSANGLED ENTRANCE TOWER ONCE HAD TALL STEEPLELARGE ROSE WINDOW, ROUND, AND 3 CORNERED WINDOWS [Date Cnst:(11/30)-1877] [B] The congregation of the First Baptist Church was organized in 1840 and built its first building on the southwest corner of Sixth and Main. It burned in 1862 but was rebuilt. This church replaced that one when it was dedicated in 1878. Gorton Hall, to the south was added in 1917. |
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| Bibliographic References: | Jubilee Souvenir 1840-April 25-1890 Racine: First Baptist Church, 1890. [B] The Southside Historic District Walking Tour Guide. The Racine Landmarks Preservation Commission, May 1993. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |