The Wisconsin Historical Society announces the listing of the Heart Prairie Norwegian Methodist Episcopal Church in the Town of Richmond, Walworth County, on the State Register of Historic Places. State Historic Preservation Officer Daina Penkiunas presents a certificate to Georgia Kestol-Bauer, a descendent of church founders who has led the effort to repair and restore the building.
The Heart Prairie Norwegian Methodist Episcopal Church – also known as Heart Prairie Norske Methodist Episcopal Kirke – is significant as an intact example of Greek Revival-influenced architecture from 1853. The building represents an important building type, a Protestant church constructed as a result of early European settlement in the area. Few examples survive in the region. Most of the original structure remains and the church has been carefully restored.
The church building features elements of the Greek Revival style, one of the first architectural
styles in Wisconsin. The style was used for many buildings of the pioneer era in southern Wisconsin,
but good examples that are highly intact are rare. With its small size and simple decoration, the Heart Prairie Norwegian Methodist Episcopal Church represents the simplicity and rustic appearance of the pioneer era.
The State Register is Wisconsin’s official list of state properties determined to be significant to Wisconsin’s heritage. The State Historic Preservation Office at the Wisconsin Historical Society administers both the State Register and National Register in Wisconsin.
Additional information for the church is available at
To learn more about the State and National Register programs in Wisconsin, visit: www.wisconsinhistory.org.
