Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Holy Redeemer Catholic Church
1865-1869
Photographed By William J. Toman, November 26, 2010
1. Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Marker
This is the first parish organized by German Catholics and is the second oldest Catholic church in Madison. This church replaces the original brick structure built on this site in 1857 by the 80 founding families The simple Romanesque Revival structure was designed by architect John Nader and built of native sandstone. The contractor, James Livesey, also built Bascom Hall. The steeple, bells, clock, stained glass windows and other embellishments were later additions.
Erected 1983 by the Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 75.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Madison Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.
Location. 43° 4.536′ N, 89° 23.353′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is on West Johnson Street, 0.1 miles east of State Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 West Johnson Street, Madison WI 53703, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Holy Redeemer School Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Orpheum Theater (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wootton - Mead House
this page online
Regarding Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Since St. Raphael's Cathedral burned on March 14, 2005, Holy Redeemer is now the oldest Catholic Church in Madison.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. This is a list of markers for other buildings designed by John Nader, including the other Catholic Church in the Cathedral Parish.
Additional keywords. Architecture; Romanesque Revival
Photographed By William J. Toman, November 26, 2010
2. Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Marker
The marker is to the right of the main front door.
Photographed By William J. Toman, November 26, 2010
3. Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Steeple Stone
The main inscription on the stone is "Domus Dei et Porta Coeli," which translates as "The house of God, and the Gateway to Heaven." Underneath this inscription is the year "1866" and a reference to "1 Gen.28.17."
Gen. 1:28 reads "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
Gen. 1:17 reads "And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth."
Gen. 1:28 reads "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
Gen. 1:17 reads "And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth."
Credits. This page was last revised on April 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,089 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 11, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
