| 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.
Central hip roof (originally designed with a domed roof) with multiple cross gables and projecting gabled forms; massive square bell tower featuring arched openings on southwest corner and smaller pyramidal tower flanking the facade on the north side with projecting gabled entrance between the towers. Layered round arch portal with arch formation resting on short columns and recessed round entrance door; turrets at corners of front gable; inscription "EHRE SEI GOTT IN DER HOEHE" on archivolt of portal arch; round arched stained glass windows.
Built in the 19th century Romanesque style favored by low church groups, the First German Methodist Episcopal Church was renamed the Salzer Memorial Methodist Church in 1917 in honor of its most outstanding pastor, John A. Salzer. Now known as the Bible Baptist Church, the well-preserved German Methodist Church constructed in 1895 is the earliest stone interpretation of the Romanesque style remaining in the city.
Unfortunately, the original structure including the roof, because it was damaged by several serious fires through the years, has undergone reconstruction. The original domed roof fell in during the fire causing an estimated $60,000 worth of damage and was replaced with a hip roof. The congregation sold the church after the fire and joined the congregations of other Methodist churches.
1996- "Displaying an almost Richardsonian Romanesque style, this church with multiple-gable projections is constructed of heavily rusticated masonry block. Inscribed on an archivolt of the recessed, compound arch portal are the words "1895, Ehre Sei Gott In der Hoehe". Other features include the following: a large, square bell tower with arched openings; two shorter towers with pyramidal roofs, both flanking the north facade entrance; battlements and rounded, towerlike corners; and large, round-arched, stained glass windows. The church was originally designed and built with a domed roof; however, there is currently a hip roof as a result of modifications after several fires. The building was constructed in 1895 for the First German Methodist Episcopal congregation by Andrew Roth, and is considered as "the earliest stone interpretation of the Romanesque style remaining in the city." Currently known as the "Bible Baptist Church," this structure stands as a fine example of the Romanesque Revival style."
- "La Crosse North/South Transportation Corridor", WisDOT ID #5991-04-00, Prepared by Heritage Research, Ltd. (1996).
Builder: Fred A. Gross
Art glass artisan: Ford Forman & Co.
2017 UPDATE - THIS BUILDING LOOKS SUBSTANTIALLY LIKE IT DID WHEN LAST SURVEYED IN 1996. |
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| Bibliographic References: | A. Building plaque.
B. A. Sanford and H. Hirshheimer, A History of La Crosse, Wisconsin,
1841-1960 (La Crosse: La Crosse Historical Society, 1951) p. 231.
C. Emil J. Bernet, "Beginnings of the Salzer Memorial Methodist Church,"
Sketches, Series I pp. 54-63.
D. La Crosse Republican and Leader, 7 December 1895.
E. Sanborn maps, 1891, 1906.
F. La Crosse Tribune, 2 February 1946.
G. La Crosse Daily Press, 9 December 1895.
H. La Crosse Daily Press, 7, December 1895. |
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