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. It was the very first building ever made specifically for Christian Science worship anywhere in the world!
The church is made of stone, wood, and brick. It looks like a Gothic Revival style building. Because it is so important, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
The Story of the First Church
The Christian Science group in Oconto started on June 10, 1886. They called themselves "the Christian Science Association of Oconto." The church building was finished quickly, by October of the same year. It cost less than $1,000 to build, which was a good deal even back then!
Even though the building was ready, it was not officially dedicated until February 1887. At the time, other Christian Science groups were meeting in different places across the United States. The people in Oconto did not even know they had built the very first Christian Science church building in the world until much later!
Two sisters, Laura and Victoria Sargent, were very important in starting this church. They later played big roles in the wider Christian Science movement.
What Happens There Today
This historic building is still used for Christian Science religious services. Today, the group is called Christian Science Society, Oconto. It is a place where people can gather for worship and study. The main room, called the auditorium, can hold up to 100 people.
See also
- List of Former Christian Science Churches, Societies and Buildings
