click zoom to display a high-res image
Property Location
| Location (Address) | 1327 Blake Ave. |
|---|---|
| County | Racine |
| City/Village | Racine |
| Township | |
| Unincorporated community | |
| Town | |
| Range | |
| Direction | |
| Section | |
| Quarter Section | |
| Quarter Quarter Section |
Property Features
| Year Built | 1908 |
|---|---|
| Additions | |
| Survey Date | 2022 |
| Historic Use | house of worship |
| Architectural Style | Romanesque Revival |
| Structural System | |
| Wall Material | Aluminum/Vinyl Siding |
| Architect | |
| Other Buildings On Site | |
| Demolished | No |
| Demolished Date | |
| Additional Comments | The First Holland Christian Reformed Church (commonly known as the Holland Reformed Church) was formed in Racine in 1906. The congregation constructed the existing building at 1327 Blake Avenue in 1908. By 1931, the church had organized its own parochial school, known as the Racine Christian School (located elsewhere in the city), which had the distinction of being the only parochial school in Racine that was not affiliated with the Catholic or Lutheran churches.By this time, the church had dropped its ethnic name and had become known simply as the Christian Reformed Church. The group held services at its Blake Avenue church through the 1950s. In 1960, the congregation sold the building to the Second Missionary Baptist Church. Racine's Second Missionary Baptist congregation was formed in 1958 with a seven-member congregation.For the first two years of its existence, the group held services at temporary locations, including an old YMCA building. By 1960, the Second Missionary Baptist congregation had grown to approximately 80 members. In October 1960 the group purchased the former First Holland Christian Reformed Church at 1327 Blake Avenue for $15,000.The church was one of 16 in Racine that served the city's Black residents in the 1960s. In April of 1967, the church hosted an Equal Opportunity Jobs Program that promoted federal government jobs (primarily through the post office) among the city's African American population and provided an explanation of the employment protections granted as part of the 1964 Civil Rights Act (prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin). By 1971, membership at Second Missionary Baptist Church had grown to 550. The property continues to serve Racine's African American community today as the United Faith Missionary Baptist Church. |
| Bibliographic References |
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
| National/State Register Listing Name | Not Listed |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date | |
| State Register Listing Date | |
| Contributing |
Architecture & History Inventory
The Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory (AHI) is a digital source of information on historic buildings, structures, and objects that have been surveyed by the State Historic Preservation Office in Wisconsin. Each property has a digital record providing basic information about the property and images.
Questions?
Wondering about if your property is eligible or notice some information on this property needs to be updated, reach out today!
Email UsAttribution
For a credit line: Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Unique Identifier.
The Unique Identifier can be found at the top or bottom of the page for each item. The name of a downloaded file is NOT the unique identifier.
For bibliographic citations please consult the UW-Madison Libraries Citation Research Guide to ensure compliance with appropriate style guidelines.
Access Property Records
Some properties have more materials (correspondence, clippings, historical information, etc.) not in the digital record. If a 'Site File' exists, it's noted in the 'Additional Comments' field. Contact us for an appointment to view these materials.
Baptist bell once warned of Racine's fires second in series tells of church activities
Oct 27, 1927
Racine Times Call
1727 N Vel R. Phillips Ave (AKA 1727 N 4TH ST)
109103
Located in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County
