Property Record
192 E HURON ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | UNION CHURCH |
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| Other Name: | FEDERATED CHURCH |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 48755 |
| Location (Address): | 192 E HURON ST |
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| County: | Green Lake |
| City: | Berlin |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1898 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 2002 |
| Historic Use: | house of worship |
| Architectural Style: | Queen Anne |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Clapboard |
| Architect: | William D. Kimball |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Nathan Strong Park Historic District |
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| National Register Listing Date: | 5/10/2005 |
| State Register Listing Date: | 1/21/2005 |
| 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. COST OF CONSTRUCTION WAS $5,667. ORIGINAL BELL AND WINDOWS ARE FROM THE CONGREGATION'S FIRST CHURCH ON S. PEARL ST. This structure contributes to the significance of the Nathan Strong Park Historic District under criterion C as a superb rare example of an exuberant wooden Queen Anne style church that has been preserved nearly intact. A wonderfully picturesque and original example of a Queen Anne church that has survived with such features as its open wooden belfry and handsome ornamental board stickwork intact. This is a rare church design by the Milwaukee architect W.D. Kimball. The Union Congregational Church was organized in 1850 by Rev. Cutting Marsh durin a meeting at the Stedman Warehouse. The following year the church affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. The first church was built in 1851 and was known as the "sawdust church" because it was insulated with sawdust which often sifted through the walls aonto the congregation. The second church was constructed in 1856 and it was called the "church on the hill." In 1863 differences relating to church government and denominational loyalties led to a division in the Presbyterian Congregation and the organization of a new congregational church. In 1866 these differences were resolved and the two congregations again united to form the Union Church of Berlin. The bell from the first church was transferred to the second church and it remained there until 1898, when the building was razed to make way for the current structure. The bell once again was transferred to the belfry of the new church. Over the years a variety of congregations have been added. The Welsh Church, north of Berlin, transferred its records here when it closed. Several members of the Episcopal Church joined the group when their church became no longer viable. In 1974, the Baptist Church merged with the Union Church and the combined congregations are now called the Federated Church. |
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| Bibliographic References: | BERLIN JOURNAL 6/20/1991; 2/23/1967 (p. 1). PRINCETON TIMES REPUBLIC 6/13/1996. CORNERSTONE. GILLETT, pp. 75-76. BLAKE, WILLIAM, "BERLIN ALTARS: THE STORY OF RELIGION IN THE FUR AND LEATHER CITY." BERLIN MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION, 1977. Victorian Walking Tours, Berlin, Wisconsin's Walking Tour of Beautiful Victorian Homes, undated. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |