Property Record
7506 25TH AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Kenosha Christian Reformed Church |
|---|---|
| Other Name: | Kenosha Christian Reformed Church |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 144348 |
| Location (Address): | 7506 25TH AVE |
|---|---|
| County: | Kenosha |
| City: | Kenosha |
| Township/Village: | |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | |
| Range: | |
| Direction: | |
| Section: | |
| Quarter Section: | |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: |
| Year Built: | 1953 |
|---|---|
| Additions: | 1966 |
| Survey Date: | 2007 |
| Historic Use: | house of worship |
| Architectural Style: | Front Gabled |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date: | |
| State Register Listing Date: |
| Additional Information: | The primary entrance gable rises one story and is covered with stone veneer; a pair of wooden doors rests within a simple stone surround, all of which is fronted by three concrete steps. The church proper, which rises above the entry, is without fenestration; however a tall-and-narrow slit-like opening is situated above the entrance. A belltower with similar vertical openings rests along the roof's ridge. Sidewalls of the church are vertically articulated into six bays that are separated by a simple and unadorned, brick pier. Four bays exhibit tripartite windows that are comprised of green, purple, and white marbelized glass. A large, elevated education wing with a Mansard-like roof extends from the rear of the church. It is sheathed with wood and includes slit-like windows adjacent to the brick pier supports. The Kenosha Christian Reformed Church was founded on 12 February 1902 by immigrants from the Netherlands; however, the congregation reportedly existed for five years prior to its official organization. Initial meetings were held in the home of C. Hamelink and later, at the larger residence of Jacobus DeKok. Thereafter, the nine families each donated 25 cents to cover the rental fee of a second-floor meeting hall in downtown Kenosha until building their first church in 1905 at 17th Avenue and 53rd Street. Services were held in Dutch for years. The existing church building was completed in 1953 at a cost of $116,000, with dedication services being held on 28 April of that year. the educational unit, located west of the church, was completed in 1966. The congregation continues to occupy the property. |
|---|---|
| Bibliographic References: | "Plan Supper, Services: Note 75th Anniversary," Kenosha News, 5 February 1977; "Dedicate Church," photo caption (of Christian Reformed Church), Kenosha News, 26 April 1953, Both clippings located in the Kenosha Clipping File, Kenosha Public (Southwest) Library. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |