Vintage

HEART PRAIRIE LUTHERAN CHURCH

Situated in the bluffs of the Kettle Moraine overlooking Whitewater Lake stands a little brick church surrounded by a pioneer cemetery. For well over a century, this early Wisconsin Norwegian church has attracted people because of its beautiful simplicity and its historic preservation.

The Heart Prairie Lutheran congregation was organized in December, 1844, by the second Norwegian Lutheran minister in America, C. L. Clausen. Services were held under trees, in log cabins, and a school house until about 1855. This was probably the year the Norwegian pioneers began hauling brick by oxcart to build the present church. The building may not have been completed until 1857. About this time, the congregation joined with congregations at Whitewater, Scuppernong (Palmyra) and Sugar Creek to call the same Lutheran pastor. This practice continued for many decades.

During the latter 1800’s, the congregation grew to well over 100 members, a large church for those years. Until the 1880’s, the church had no organ. The klokker, a sexton and parish clerk led all the hymns and some prayers from the front of the church. The pastor’s salary in 1891 was #139.50 plus some oats and hay for his horse. The church janitor was paid $10 per year. Norwegian was used exclusively in the church until 1902. It was only then that English was introduced into the services. During the early 1900’s membership began declining due to families moving out of the Heart Prairie area. Finally in 1948, because of lack of members, the Heart Prairie Lutheran Church merged with First English Lutheran Church of Whitewater.

During the months of June, July and August, worship services are held each Saturday at 5 p.m. and each Sunday at 8 a.m. Special Oil Lamp services are also held at 8:30 p.m. the last Sunday of each summer month.

The Heart Prairie Church has become famous for its historical, architectural and religious features. Historically this church may be the oldest Norwegian Lutheran Church in America still being used in its original state. One can step into this little church and take a trip back into the pioneer era of Wisconsin – the era of reed pump organs, oil lamps and simple décor. One can walk through the graveyard and read the stones of many children and young men and women visible reminders of the difficult lives the pioneers led. Architecturally the church is fine, lasting example of pioneer building. Brick was used not only to build walls, but also to supply ornamental and decorative details. Religiously, the little lake church was built for the glory of God, and it is a lasting monument to the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the New World.

By the grace of God this church has served for over 150 years. By the grace of God it will continue for untold more.

For more information, call First English Lutheran Church (262)473-5076.