Property Record
246 E PARK AVE
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH |
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| Other Name: | ST JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH |
| Contributing: | Yes |
| Reference Number: | 48784 |
| Location (Address): | 246 E PARK AVE |
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| County: | Green Lake |
| City: | Berlin |
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| Unincorporated Community: | |
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| Year Built: | 1908 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 1991 |
| Historic Use: | house of worship |
| Architectural Style: | Romanesque Revival |
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| Wall Material: | Granite Stone |
| Architect: | |
| 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. See WRL nom. file. Another map code is 4/22, found on the DOT map. This one story Romanesque Revival styled church features an irregular shaped plan configuration, a granite stone foundation, a granite stone exterior, a stone and wood trim and an asphalt shingled gable roof with a tower. This tower is accented by tapering butteresses, and round arched openings. Dentil trim moulding appears just below the cornice line of the tower, and at each of the four corners at the roofline is crenelation. The front gable has decorative stone work including pilasters, a band course and corbelling. A large, round stained glass window is framed by a rounded arch opening, centered in the gable. The chuch is similar to that of the Richardsonian architecture in its rusticated massive stonework and in some of the arches and arcades. The building is in fair condition, and is related to a rectory (GL 23/25) and a rear garage (GL 23/26). Architectural/Engineering Significance: This structure contributes to the significance of the Nathan Strong Park Historic District under Criterion C as a fine example of a Romanesque Revival stone church displaying an original facade treatment. This interesting late example of the Romanesque Revival style with a vigoursly modulated facade enriched with subtle textural and polychromatic effects. Certainly, it is one of the finest Romanesque buildings in Green Lake County. Historical Background: The first catholic mass in Berlin was held in 1851 at Badger Hall, which was located at the present site of the Farmers and Merchants Bank. A year later, Father Godfrey had a small chapel constructed on the corner of Capron and Noyes Streets. In 1857, Father Gray became the first resident pastor. During his tenure the chapel was moved to East Park Avenue and later became the priest's residence when a brick chruch was built around 1860. [1]. A rectory was constructed around 1890 and several improvements were made to the church around 1896. A new church was built in 1908 with granite from Berlin and Redgranite. In 1913, a granite rectory was constructed and the old parsonage was moved to East Noyes Street. A school was bult in 1953 and it opened the fall term of that year. [1]. |
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| Bibliographic References: | 1. Cornerstone. 2. St. Joseph Parish, 1851-1976, The Parish, 1976. 3. PRINCETON TIMES REPUBLIC 6/13/1996. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |