With Lent kicking off this week, many churches are beginning to prepare for the upcoming Holy Season. To celebrate, we’ve selected a handful of some of the oldest churches in the Lake Country area to highlight. Many of them have deep historical ties to the community around them.
St. John Chrysostom Episcopal Church
We’re starting off with one of the oldest churches in all of Wisconsin. Shortly after Wisconsin achieved statehood, St. John’s began being built in 1851 and was completed in 1853. It was designed to match the popular Gothic Revival style. This means that it was built with elements such as “Steeply pitched roofs, pointed arches, and tracery”. Several of Delafield’s founding families attended St. John’s from its earliest days. Another claim to fame for the modest church is its storied guests, including Arthur Michael Ramsey, the 100th Archbishop of Canterbury. Today, all of the pews and the pulpit are the originals, meaning that stepping into the sanctuary is a step back in time. Services such as morning prayer are held throughout the week, and a regular Sunday worship service is held at 10:15.
Cornerstone Church Lake Country
Cornerstone Church began being built in 1872. However, it took roughly 11 years to be completed, and did not open until 1883. Its name has switched around a few times throughout its long and storied history. Several different church bodies and congregations have made use of the space. Between 1883 and 1953, it was known as Our Savior’s English Lutheran Church. The historic space was not large enough for the growing community, which built a new church in order to accommodate. Several other congregations have used the church building, which is now run by Cornerstone Church. Despite several changes in ownership, its craftsmanship has endured, with it still having the original stained glass windows.
First Presbyterian Church of Waukesha
Before Waukesha had its name, it was known as Prairieville. A growing congregation had been using the Prairieville Academy’s space for worship services. The Academy would eventually be recognized as a predecessor to Carroll College. In 1849, the First Presbyterian Church opened with a seating capacity of 300. The church was officially dedicated in 1855 as additional building, such as a new tower, were completed. The current sanctuary is still enclosed by both original walls and roof beams. The church has been in continuous service since its opening, a feat that has allowed it to serve its community for over 175 years.
Chapel of St. Mary the Virgin
The Nashotah House Theological Seminary began building chapels around the Lake Country area as far back as 1842. Although many of these structures are no longer standing, the Chapel of St. Mary the Virgin is. It was completed in 1866 alongside several other parts of the Seminary. In February 1972, the Chapel was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Nashotah House is historic itself, as it is the oldest institution of higher learning in all of Wisconsin.
