Property Record
N6106 COUNTY HIGHWAY G
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | Evangelical Lutheran Elias Church |
|---|---|
| Other Name: | The United Lutheran Parish |
| Contributing: | |
| Reference Number: | 229346 |
| Location (Address): | N6106 COUNTY HIGHWAY G |
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| County: | Shawano |
| City: | |
| Township/Village: | Herman |
| Unincorporated Community: | |
| Town: | 27 |
| Range: | 14 |
| Direction: | E |
| Section: | 17 |
| Quarter Section: | SW |
| Quarter/Quarter Section: | SW |
| Year Built: | 1899 |
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| Additions: | 1999 |
| Survey Date: | 2014 |
| Historic Use: | house of worship |
| Architectural Style: | Early Gothic Revival |
| Structural System: | |
| Wall Material: | Brick |
| Architect: | |
| Other Buildings On Site: | |
| Demolished?: | No |
| Demolished Date: |
| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| National Register Listing Date: | |
| State Register Listing Date: |
| Additional Information: | The history of three area Evangelical Lutheran churches began in 1869, when the German Lutherans of the area (including those in Hermansfort and Richmond) gathered in area homes to worship. The actual Elias congregation began in 1876, with formal organization occurring on 3 February 1881. Four acres were obtained for a church and cemetery and the congregation’s original name was the Evangelical Lutheran Elias Society. A “temporary” log church was built in 1883; dedication services did not occur until 27 September 1885. Dedication services for the subject brick church, which was built on the same property and from brick hauled from Shawano, were held on 18 November 1900. In 1924, the church switched its affiliation from the Missouri to the Ohio Synod; although the church didn’t officially join the synod until decades later. In 1927, the art glass windows were installed and, ten years later, the chancel was remodeled. Sunday School was officially established between 1934 and 1935, which was held in the rear wing of the church. In 1947, it was decided that the church should have a basement and members donated their time for its construction. In 2000, dedication of the new handicapped-accessible entrance, which includes a bathroom and foyer, was held. That same year, the congregation joined with six others to form The United Lutheran Parish. Services continue to be held at this location weekly (every Sunday at 8am). |
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| Bibliographic References: | History of Elias Lutheran Church. N.p.: By the congregation, 1976. Copy on file at the Shawano County Historical Society, Shawano, WI. "Elias Lutheran Church History, 1899-1999: New Addition Dedication, 21 May 2000." Dedication booklet prepared by the congregation, 2000. Copy on file in the Town of Herman Church & Cemeteries Binder, Shawano County Historical Society, Shawano, WI. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |