Calvary Presbyterian Church (Milwaukee) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Calvary Presbyterian Church
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Calvary Presbyterian Church during construction on the Marquette Interchange
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 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Location | 935 West Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
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| Built | 1870 |
| Architect | Koch & Hess |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| MPS | West Side Area MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 86000098 |
| Added to NRHP | March 10, 1986 |
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Calvary Presbyterian Church, also known as Calvary Church, is an old church building in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is located near Marquette University. The church was built in a style called Victorian Gothic, which looks like older European churches. Because it is so important, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
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How Calvary Church Began
The first group of Presbyterian churchgoers in Milwaukee started in 1837. This group eventually became known as First Presbyterian. Later, in 1849, another group called North Presbyterian formed.
By 1869, many Presbyterians living on the west side of Milwaukee wanted their own church closer to home. So, some members from the older churches joined together. They decided to create Calvary Church. Important businessmen like John Plankinton helped to start this new church.
Building the Church
The church building was finished in 1870. It was designed by two Milwaukee architects, Henry C. Koch and Julius Hess. They used the Gothic Revival style, which was popular at the time.
The church sits on a strong foundation made of limestone. The main walls are built from a special light-colored brick called "cream city brick." This brick was made from local clay. The building also has decorations made of Ohio sandstone. Over the years, the outside of the church has been painted a bright red color.
Church Towers and Entrance
The main part of the church, called the nave, has a roof that is 85 feet high. On one side, there is a 105-foot tower with a pointed top covered in metal. On the other side, there is a much taller tower, reaching 202 feet high, with a top covered in slate. Both towers have strong supports called buttresses and are topped with crosses.
The main entrance to the church is between these two towers. Above the entrance, there is a large, round stained-glass window called a rose window.
Changes Over Time
When the church was first built in 1870, Simeon Babcock was the builder. Hiram R. Bond was the mason, who worked with stone and brick. Ironwork was done by Wm. Bayley and Wm. Greenslade, and John Harding painted the inside walls.
Over the years, the church building has had some updates. In 1910, a study for the pastor and a church office were added. After a fire in 1947, parts of the roof and the south end of the nave were repaired. In 1957, a new section with classrooms was added to the building.
Unique Features
Calvary Church has a special feature inside: a prayer labyrinth built into the floor. A labyrinth is a winding path used for walking meditation or prayer. This labyrinth's design was inspired by a very old one from the 12th century, found in the Cathedral of Chartres in Chartres, France. It has eleven winding paths that lead to a flower-shaped center.
Historical Importance
The Wisconsin Historical Society studied the church in 1986. They said that Calvary Church is "one of the best preserved Gothic churches in the city" from the time right after the American Civil War. They also noted that it is "one of Milwaukee's oldest [church buildings] in continuous use," meaning it has been used as a church without stopping for a very long time.
