First Church of Christ, Scientist (Oconto, Wisconsin) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First Church of Christ, Scientist
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The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in 2013
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 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Location | 423 Chicago St., Oconto, Wisconsin |
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| Built | 1886 |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000111 |
| Added to NRHP | November 19, 1974 |
The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Oconto, Wisconsin, is a very special building. It is also known as the First Christian Science Church Edifice. This church was built in 1886 using stone, wood, and brick. It was designed in the Gothic Revival style, which looks a bit like old castles or cathedrals.
What makes this church so important is that it was the very first building ever constructed specifically for Christian Science worship anywhere in the world. Because of its unique history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Contents
A Historic Church Building
How the Church Started
The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Oconto, began on June 10, 1886. It was first called "the Christian Science Association of Oconto." The building itself was finished quickly, by October of that same year. It cost less than $1,000 to build, which was a very small amount even back then.
Even though the building was ready, it wasn't officially opened until February 1887. At the time, other Christian Science groups were meeting in different places across the United States. The people in Oconto didn't know how special their new church was. They only found out later that they had built the first Christian Science church building in the entire world.
Important People in Its History
Two sisters, Laura Sargent and Victoria Sargent, were very important in starting this church. They were deeply involved in setting up the Christian Science movement in Oconto. Both sisters went on to play big roles in the wider Christian Science movement as it grew.
What the Church Is Used For Today
The building is still used for Christian Science religious services. While it was once known as the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Oconto, it is now called the Christian Science Society, Oconto. This means it is still an active place of worship. The main room where services are held can seat about 100 people.
See also
- List of Former Christian Science Churches, Societies and Buildings
