A Little History of our Church

It is significant that the development of the pioneer village of Bayfield Wisconsin grew apace with the arrival of Missionaries and the growth of Churches. Despite both physical and theological problems, most of the Churches survived. Today, ecumenical understanding and cooperation increases within the congregations and are evident whenever the good of the area and the community are concerned.

Among these congregations our Presbyterian Church had its beginnings in 1856 when a young academy graduate from Washington D.C. was sent here to transact business for the Bayfield Land Company. Joseph H. Nourse, the son of a Presbyterian minister, had to give up teaching and serving as a missionary at a western Indian Territory Reservation because of a severe throat affliction. After just two months in Bayfield, his health seemed restored. The next year he returned with his wife, a former Miss Rittenhouse, to live here. In true Christian zeal, Mr. Nourse straight-away gathered people together for weekly worship, conducted a Union Sunday School for children of all denominations in the Methodist Church, and administered to the poor, the sick and the dying.

The same year, Rev. Thomas Elder, came to Bayfield with his bride and formed the first Church organization. Joseph Nourse was ordained as ruling elder. Struck by a sudden illness within a few short weeks, Rev Elder passed away, and Mr. Nourse took over all ministerial duties throughout the following winter. He was looked upon as an inspiration, and the backbone of the new Church, serving the people in their pioneer struggles and changes. In our Church's history he is rightfully regarded as its Founder.

In 1857, due largely to differences in religious principles and dissent, those of Presbyterian persuasion decided to build a Church of their own. On land given by Mr. B.F. Rittenhouse (just below the present manse), our first Church building was erected. $1,000.00 had been raised "foreign subscription" for its construction.

Dissent again caused trouble. Frail times fell on the Church, and it was dissolved while Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Nourse were away from Bayfield for five years. On their return they bought the former Church building for a home.

Union Sunday School classes were resumed and led by Mr. Nourse in Leighy's Hall *where the Amoco Station now stands). Our Church was reorganized in 1887 and a larger sanctuary was built in 1888 on the site of the present building. Joseph Nourse lived long enough to see his son, Edward, in the pulpit for the summer months.

In January of 1916 the Church was completely destroyed by fire. Plans were made to rebuild at once. Union Sunday School classes again became Mr. Nourse's responsibility, but were held in either the Episcopal church of the Public Library. Sixty years from the birth of the Church, our second sanctuary was dedicated on August 12, 1917.

Our Church has flourished under steady leadership from that time on. We have been grateful for the long line of dedicated Christian men and women who have guided us this far through their enduring vision, their tireless efforts and their abiding Faith. We pray for God's continuing help for the courage of our convictions and love to carry on in the life of our Bayfield Presbyterian Church.

(Compiled from research done by Marjorie Benton, September 1977. Presented by Dorothy Bruhn, July 1987)

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