History of the Buildings of Christ Lutheran Church

The first services were held in 1863 in the homes of Lutheran families in the Glencoe area.

In 1875 St. John's Church was constructed and dedicated in Glencoe. At this time services began to be held in homes in the Montana Area.

Construction of Christ Church in Montana took place about 1885.

About 1896-7 the Arcadia Lutherans divided into two groups with the Wisconsin Synod Congregation, St. John's Independent Lutheran Church, meeting in the little white church. Preaching services were held in the upstairs of the parsonage for those who associated themselves with the Glencoe and Montana churches, until in 1910 a new church was built. This church was built through the financial efforts of 18 families from the Arcadia, Glencoe and Montana churches. Much of the labor was provided by members of the churches. This church, built in 1910, was the basis for our present church.

In 1923 the residence next to the Arcadia church (present location) was purchased and converted into educational facilities.

In 1929 St. John's of Glencoe and Christ of Montana, deeded their property and re-organized as the St. John's Christ Lutheran Congregation of Arcadia, Wisconsin.

The church building was enlarged to serve a growing congregation in 1949 using lumber from the St. John's Church of Glencoe and that of farmer members. The original Glencoe church bell was used and is now located above the balcony. Again, much labor was donated by members of the congregation. It is recorded that the leader of the work parties, Alex Foster, reported to the annual meeting that he was never turned down when he asked for help, this being an indication of the commitment of the congregation to the building program.

Work began on a new parsonage next to the church in 1951.

The St. John's Independent Lutheran Church of Arcadia property was transferred to this congregation in 1962. (This building replaced the little white church referred to previously.)

Again, due to a growing membership, an educational addition was built in 1965. A new entrance was constructed in 1974, bringing the church building to its present state.