First Presbyterian Church of Racine

Introduction

First Presbyterian Church of Racine is a historic U.S. nonprofit organization located in Racine, Wisconsin. The church is renowned for its rich history, architectural significance, and community engagement.

History

Founded in 1839, the church was one of the earliest religious institutions in the area, predating the official incorporation of the village of Racine by two years[1]. Initially, services were held in a schoolhouse and later in the unoccupied upper floor of the town jail. The congregation's first church building was dedicated in February 1843. Due to rapid growth, a larger building was constructed and dedicated on June 10, 1852, at 716 College Avenue[1].

The 1852 building was designed by Lucas Bradley in the Greek Revival style, featuring a bell added in 1855 that served as the city's fire alarm[1].

Social and Cultural Impact

The First Presbyterian Church has historically been associated with anti-slavery efforts. Notable congregation members, such as Nathan Burnham and Silas B. Peck, were prominent abolitionists who signed the 1845 Memorial to Congress opposing slavery in the Wisconsin Territory[2]. The church's Reverend Zebulon Humphrey gave the invocation at the Republican National Convention in Chicago in 1860, when Abraham Lincoln, who supported the emancipation of slaves, was nominated for president[2].

Artifacts discovered in the church's crawl space have led some to speculate about possible ties to the Underground Railroad[2].

Ministry and Programs

The church offers regular Sunday worship services and fellowship activities. It also provides educational programs and livestreams its services[4]. Additionally, the church hosts a free summer concert series, featuring regional musicians in various genres, and distributes freewill offerings to local agencies while awarding scholarships to young musicians[4].

Architectural Significance

The building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973, recognizing its historical and architectural importance[1]. It maintains a strong presence in the community, hosting cultural events like "Lessons and Carols" performed by the Choral Arts Society of Southeastern Wisconsin[3].