Property Record
MAIN ST, N SIDE OF 11, 200' W OF CROSS ST
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | METHODIST CHURCH |
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| Other Name: | UNITED METHODIST CHURCH |
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| Reference Number: | 66671 |
| Location (Address): | MAIN ST, N SIDE OF 11, 200' W OF CROSS ST |
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| County: | Lafayette |
| City: | Benton |
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| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1883 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1982 |
| Historic Use: | church |
| Architectural Style: | Early Gothic Revival |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Clapboard |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| National Register Listing Date: | |
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| Additional Information: | A stone foundation, frame (now sided) church structure erected in 1883 for $2075.30 with steeply pitched intersecting, sloping roofs. A Gothic influenced belfry and entrance tower in sited at the intersection of the L shaped structure. A pointed Gothic arched door hood projects over the double doored entry. Stained glass Gothic windows accent the facades and a circular window decorates the facades and a circular window decorates the front facing gable peak. In contrast to the pointed Gothic features, round arched windows and fenestrations characterize the vernacular Gothic bell tower and entrance. A kitchen was added to the structure and the entrance was altered in 1889. Another addition was made to the structure in 1906. This structure in its 14th Century church-yard and cemetery setting is architecturally important as an example of vernacular 19th century church architecture. Its importance has been lessened because of the addition of aluminum siding; however, effort was made to use the narrow width siding that is in keeping with the original clapboard exterior. Furthermore, the church has been an important visual landmark on Main Street since the early period of Benton's history. The Methodist Episcopal Church is significant to the religious development of Benton. Methodist Services were held in Benton as early as the 1840s. Methodist preachers serving the Council Hill Circuit, came to Benton to hold services. Benton was twice transferred to the Hazel Green Circuit then the Providence Circuit. Services were held in the Town Hall which had been built in 1847. In 1852, the land and Town Hall building were donated to the Church. By 1883, the small frame twon hall was too small and was moved across the street. The present frame church structure was erected in its place. The initial membership of the church was composed in large part of people from Yorkshire County, England. The Methodist Church is one of the three main churches in Benton today. |
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| Bibliographic References: | (A) Building Plaque. (B) The United Methodist Church, Benton, Wis., 1848-1973 (Anniversary Edition), p. 5 and 31. (C) Butterfield, History of Lafayette County, 1881, p. 561. (D) H. Beck, "Historical Account of Benton Town and Village," Benton Advocate, Aug. 1, 1924. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |