Waucoma Historical Society Church Building

History

The First Congregational Church of Waucoma was organized October 7, 1874 and was incorporated in May of 1875.  Many of the people forming the new congregation had been served earlier by the Congregational Church at Fort Atkinson.  The names on the windows indicate that there was a core of Scottish background augmenting the congregation.

A church building 32 ft by 44 ft was erected in 1875 at a cost of $2,500.00 and was dedicated January 9, 1876.  A major remodeling project in 1891 changed the original church building from a simple rectangular shape into the structure as it now stands.  In 1928 the Methodist and Congregational churches formed the Waucoma Federated Church.  They continued operation with church services in this building until services were discontinued in 1989.

The Waucoma Historical Society was deeded possession of the property at the end of 1990.  The Society added restrooms, a kitchen and dining area.  The dining area was the center of many fundraising dinners with proceeds being used to maintain the Church building.

Recent History

In April 2008, the Historical Society received a grant of $5,450.00 from the Fayette County Community Foundation.  The grant plus other funds raised were used to repair and repaint the interior of the church.  The restoration project  was completed in early June 2008.  Total cost of the project was $15,750.00.

In 2009, all the interior woodwork was cleaned and polished.  Repair work was done on the colored stained glass windows.  Broken stained glass pieces were replaced and all woodwork was repainted.    A handicapped entrance was added for access into the Church main floor.  Work was completed in time to host the first wedding ceremony in November 2009.   In 2014, the roof was shingled with green tin and the church steeple was rebuilt with plexiglass in the windows.   The Church is now available for non-denominational church ceremonies.