Splitlog Church

Splitlog Church is a limestone building crowned by a tall steeple with a bronze bell cast in Belgium and brought here specifically for this structure. The National Register of Historic Places has protected it since 1972 as an example of late 19th century religious architecture.

Mathias Splitlog initiated construction in 1893 as a memorial to his wife Eliza, who died before the building was completed in 1896. This personal connection explains the church's origin as a deeply personal undertaking during that decade.

The building has served multiple religious communities over time, reflecting how Grove's spiritual life evolved through different periods. You can see how various congregations left their mark on the interior and how the space was adapted for different practices.

The building is accessible via standard visitor routes and the steeple with its bell is visible from outside. If you want to explore the interior, check local visiting guidelines since this is an active or protected site.

A copper container holding historical artifacts was sealed into the cornerstone and remained there until 1925, when vandals used explosives to remove it. This time capsule practice was common in the 19th century as a way to preserve memories for future generations.

Location: Grove

Inception: 1893

GPS coordinates: 36.63350,-94.67970

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:05