Racine in Racine County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Founded in 1849

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, August 3, 2024

1. Founded in 1849 Marker

Inscription. First Evangelical Lutheran Church is Racine's oldest Lutheran congregation. It is also one of the oldest churches in its parent body, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. From its inception, First Evangelical has felt a close bond to the Wisconsin Synod - the church's first two pastors, J. Weinmann and J. Wrede, founded the Synod in Milwaukee with J. Muehlhaueser in 1850.

The present church building was dedicated in 1897, replacing the original church erected in 1850. Designed by Chandler and Park, its style is German Romanesque-Gothic, popular at the turn of the century. The edifice, built of cut stone and cream brick, is in the traditional shape of a cruciform. The smaller tower has an elevation of 85 feet, and the larger 120 feet. The total cost of the building was $23,000.

A church however, is more than a building. We at First Evangelical exist today for the same purpose that our church was founded to preach the Gospel. From pioneer days to the present, we preach Christ crucified. We confess that God absolves sins completely and only to those who trust in the living and dying merits of His Son,

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our Lord Jesus Christ. We welcome you to join our family of believers.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.

Location. 42° 43.505′ N, 87° 47.236′ W. Marker is in Racine, Wisconsin, in Racine County. It is on Villa Street near 8th Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 728 Villa Street, Racine WI 53403, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin and in Greater Milwaukee.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Racine City Hall (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Presbyterian Church (about 600 feet away); Veterans Memorial (about

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, August 3, 2024

2. Founded in 1849 Marker

600 feet away); a different marker also named First Presbyterian Church (about 600 feet away); Engine House No. 3 (about 700 feet away); 32nd 'Red Arrow' Infantry Division Memorial (about 700 feet away); Racine Heritage Museum (approx. ¼ mile away); Racine First High School Bell (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Racine.

First Evangelical Lutheran Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, August 3, 2024

3. First Evangelical Lutheran Church

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, August 3, 2024

4. Cornerstone

Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 282 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 9, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.