This Sheboygan County church built in 1855 suffered a fire in 1944 but still stands today | Throwback Thursday

Gary C. Klein, Sheboygan Press
·2 min read

GREENBUSH - The town of Greenbush was established in 1845 by European settlers Sylvanus and Betsey Wade, and it didn't take long for a church to be built in the village.

Charles Robinson, the son-in-law of Sylvanus Wade, designed and built major properties in the village, including the Greenbush United Methodist Church, the Wade House and the Butternut House.

The ministry for the church began in 1851 with services being held in members' homes. This set in motion the process of building the church, which is situated close to the Wade House.

Back in those days construction of buildings was a laborious process void of the power tools we see today on the job. According to information from Beth Dippel of the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center and the New Hope United Methodist Church website, it has been said the building's construction started in 1855 and was completed in 1856.

The Greenbush United Methodist Church, now known as New Hope United Methodist Church has a long hiistory that dates back to the 1850s when Greenbush's nearby Wade House was of prime importance to travelers. The building, seen here in an undated file photo was designed and built by Charles Robinson, in 1855.
The Greenbush United Methodist Church, now known as New Hope United Methodist Church has a long hiistory that dates back to the 1850s when Greenbush's nearby Wade House was of prime importance to travelers. The building, seen here in an undated file photo was designed and built by Charles Robinson, in 1855.

In 1944, the building suffered a fire. The shell and the main beams were saved, but the structure was rebuilt.

Later in 1979, Glenbeulah and Greenbush United Methodist congregations merged to worship in Greenbush as New Hope United Methodist Church. The bell from the Glenbeulah church sits outside the Greenbush church today.

The bell from the Glenbeulah Methodist Church today can be seen outside of the New Hope Methodist Church in Greenbush. In 1979, Greenbush and Glenbeulah Methodist congregations merged into New Hope Methodist Church in Greenbush.
The bell from the Glenbeulah Methodist Church today can be seen outside of the New Hope Methodist Church in Greenbush. In 1979, Greenbush and Glenbeulah Methodist congregations merged into New Hope Methodist Church in Greenbush.

In 2002, a new addition expanded the sanctuary and fellowship areas. At that time, an elevator was added, so the church is handicap accessible. Today's pastor is the Rev. Ric Olson.

Today, the church continues the mission that can trace its roots back to the mid-19th century when Sheboygan County was first developed.

To see the image larger, click here.

RELATED - Robinson House | Throwback Thursday

RELATED - Wade House | Throwback Thursday

RELATED - Town of Rhine Civil War Monument | Throwback Thursday

To see the latest subscription offer from the Sheboygan Press, click here.

This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Church in Greenbush in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, dates to 1850s