The First Church Building
The Baptist Society of Elkhorn organized in December 1852 and constructed its first church in 1853 at the corner of Court and Broad Streets.
Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Our Building and Congregation’s History
Our building’s history reaches back long before Elkhorn Church of Christ began. These photographs and records offer a glimpse of the earlier buildings and the congregation that calls this place home today.
Explore the Photographs
The building’s early years
A Place of Worship Across Generations
The local history below describes the Baptist buildings at Court and Broad Streets. The beginnings of Elkhorn Church of Christ are recorded separately.
A Brick Church Takes Its Place
A brick church replaced the original building in 1885 and was dedicated in April 1886. It underwent substantial rebuilding in 1897.
Repairing After a Fire
Following a fire in 1907, the congregation worshipped at St. John’s Episcopal Church during repairs. The restored building was rededicated in December 1908.
Another Fire
Another fire struck in 1924. A community hall behind the church survived and provided a place for services while rebuilding proceeded.
The Present Brick Building
The present brick church was built in 1926 and dedicated on September 15, 1927.
Serving the Community
The community hall remained until 1972. In 1973, the church basement began housing a children’s daycare serving working families.
A glimpse of the past
Historic Photographs
These images preserve views of First Baptist Church in Elkhorn. Select a photograph to open the larger image. The exact photograph dates have not been established.
The first two images are edited copies of historic postcards with their printed lettering removed. Original copies retain that identifying information.
Our congregation’s beginnings
Elkhorn Church of Christ
The Congregation Begins
Elkhorn Church of Christ began in 1980. Jim and Jo Ann Coehoorn have been members since its beginning. Jim began his ministry work in 1989.
A Permanent Home
After meeting in homes, the congregation purchased its church building in 1993, establishing a permanent place for worship and fellowship.
A Milestone Celebrated
The congregation paid off its mortgage in October 2012 and celebrated together at its fellowship meal before Thanksgiving.
Our Home Today
Here we gather to worship God, study His Word, encourage one another, and serve our neighbors.
Historical records
Sources for This History
This account draws on published local history and reports about the congregation.
- Elkhorn Wisconsin Bicentennial History, 1976 — First Baptist Church history.
- The Christian Chronicle, January 2013 — The congregation’s building purchase and mortgage milestone.
- York University, March 2026 — The congregation’s beginnings and Jim Coehoorn’s ministry.
You Are Welcome Here
Our history is part of our story. We would be glad to meet you and welcome you to worship and study with us.
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