Summerfield United Methodist Church, Methodist church building in East Town, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Summerfield United Methodist Church is a Gothic structure located at 728 East Juneau Avenue in East Town with a 73-foot bell tower built in 1904 from sandstone and limestone. The building displays characteristic Gothic details and was constructed with durable materials meant to stand for generations.
The Methodist congregation was founded in 1852 and became involved in the abolitionist cause, helping free the escaped slave Joshua Glover in 1854 alongside activist Sherman Booth. The church participated in important civil rights moments that shaped early Wisconsin history.
The congregation played a key role in founding Goodwill Industries, which started in the basement in 1919. This charitable work became central to how the church was known in the community for decades.
The building has been closed to the public since June 2023 as it undergoes preparation for residential conversion. Visitors can appreciate the exterior architecture and Gothic details from the street while the interior is not accessible.
The building contains original stained glass windows with medallions dating to 1856, representing some of the earliest surviving glass artwork in Wisconsin. These ornate details showcase how church interiors were decorated in that era.
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