| Additional Information: | 2020-2024 Targeted Resurvey of Sheboygan recommendation write-up:
This Late Gothic (or Neo-Gothic) Revival-style, brick-clad church is dominated by a three-story, crenellated corner tower behind which is a gabled wing that is oriented on a north/south axis, from which an additional gabled wing extends to the west (the latter is believed to be a portion of the original church). The primary entrance, with its cut stone surround, faces east; the original opening has been modestly infilled and includes replacement doors. The second level of the tower includes a window, while the belfry occupies the third level; both openings are trimmed with cut stone quoining. Brick buttressing trims the tower’s corners, as well as delineates the four bays of the south projecting wing. The four, Gothic-arch, stained-glass windows of the south-extending wing feature heavy wooden tracery. A large, Tudor-arched, stained-glass window with wooden tracery is located along the north elevation, the opening of which features a carved stone surround.
Although a small church was first built on this parcel in 1914, the existing edifice achieved its current appearance in 1926, when a significant addition was built on to the front of the original building. Established as Ebenezer Reformed Church in 1912, the congregation was a mission of Zion Reformed Church at 604 Erie Avenue. A parsonage was built immediately to the south at 1548 S. 16th Street (remains extant). Finding their 1914 church building too small, they engaged Edgar Stubenrauch in circa 1926 to design the expanded facility seen today. In 1934, the name changed to Ebenezer Evangelical and Reformed Church. Twelve years later, the stained-glass windows were installed and, in 1952, the interior was remodeled/redecorated. The congregation remained here until 1970, when they built a new church and parsonage at 3215 Saemann Avenue, where it remains today. The N. 16th Street church was, thereafter, home to the Netherlands Reformed Church and, since 1987, the Hmong Christian Reformed congregation.
|
|---|
| Bibliographic References: | LJM Architects, Inc. City of Sheboygan, Wisconsin: Architectural and Historical Intensive Survey Report. City of Sheboygan Historic Preservation Commission & Department of City Development; 2002, 2004 & 2006.
Citations for the 2020-2024 Targeted Resurvey of Sheboygan recommendation write-up:
“Ebenezer Reformed Congregation to Build in Near Future,” The Sheboygan Press, 15 May 1914, 1; “New Church is Dedicated with Much Ceremony,” The Sheboygan Press, 21 December 1914, 8; “Eighty Permits are Issued for Builders,” includes estimated cost for church, The Sheboygan Press, 26 April 1926, 3; “Laying of Cornerstone Attended by Many Here,” The Sheboygan Press, 21 June 1926, 6; “Dedication of Church Held Here,” The Sheboygan Press, 6 December 1926, 1 (includes photo), 6; “Ebenezer Evangelical and Reformed,” The Sheboygan Press, 10 August 1953; “Ebenezer United Church of Christ: 50th Anniversary, 1912-1962,” Anniversary booklet, Prepared by the congregation, 1962, includes photo of 1914 church; John Hill, “New Church Gets New Home,” The Sheboygan Press, 24 October 1987, 10. |
|---|
