Property Record
2281 STATE HIGHWAY 164
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | First Presbyterian Church of Richfield |
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| Other Name: | First Presbyterian Church of Richfield |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 13869 |
| Location (Address): | 2281 STATE HIGHWAY 164 |
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| County: | Washington |
| City: | Richfield |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | 9 |
| Range: | 19 |
| Direction: | E |
| Section: | 5 |
| Quarter Section: | SE |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: | NE |
| Year Built: | 1862 |
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| Additions: | 1953 |
| Survey Date: | 20002012 |
| Historic Use: | house of worship |
| Architectural Style: | Front Gabled |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Aluminum/Vinyl Siding |
| Architect: | Franz Wittenberger-1862 |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| National Register Listing Date: | |
| State Register Listing Date: |
| Additional Information: | ALTERED ENTRANCE W/STONE WALLS AND POINTED ARCH WINDOWS. WOOD SHINGLES AND ROUND WINDOW W/KEYSTONE MOTIF IN FRONT GABLE. STAINED GLASS WINDOWS. OCTAGONAL TURRET W/MOULDED WOOD PANELS & STEEPLY PITCHED ROOF. Cemetery is adjacent. 2000: "This religious structure evolved over at least three periods of construction, the first of which dates to 1862. Significant alterations then occurred between 1949 and 1962. Historic photographs indicate that the original 1862 church was just three bays in length and featured a small, gabled entry at the east end with wooden double doors and a transom. The original, three-bay main block has since been sheathed with narrow vinyl siding and is largely obscured by a large, stone veneer entrance vestibule. A frame steeple, covered with modern materials, rises from the ridge of the entrance's roof. Aditional alterations to the original form include a raised, shed-roof basement wing that extends along the north elevation and a shed-roof, concrete block entry at the northwest corner of the church. The First Presbyterian Church of Richfield was born after members of St. Jacobi United Church of Christ became disgruntled with having a Presbyterian minister. The congregation split and, with sixteen charter members, the First Presbyterian Church of Richfield was established on 2 November 1862. After meeting at the home of Franz Wittenberger, the church was erected on land donated by him. The first known burial was that of Mrs. Henry Green in 1870. By 1949, the interior was almost completely remodeled. That work included replacing pews, paneling walls and ceilings and installing stained glass windows. Just four years later, the large entrance addition was added which provided for more space in the sanctuary. At the same time, a partial basement was constructed for Sunday school classes. Again, in 1962, the basement was remodeled for the inclusion of more classrooms and kitchen facilities." |
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| Bibliographic References: |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |