August 1, 2017 – Jackson, WI – One year to the date when Steve Kissinger placed a bid at a sheriff’s sale on the old Friedens Church on Cedar Creek Road his dream
came true.
“If I find a collection plate I’m going to put it outside the front door,” said Kissinger.
Dressed in blue jeans and a white t-shirt and garden gloves, Kissinger was celebrating his purchase and questioning his future at the same time.
“It’s definitely a little overwhelming,” he said.
A year ago Kissinger and friend Terry Becker were completing a cemetery tour. Becker’s father and his grandparents were buried in the cemetery next to the church.
“My great great great grandparents were charter members,” said Kissinger. “And my great great grandparents are buried right next to the church.”
Kissinger started to look at the church and found it in foreclosure.
“Last July 31 it went up for auction at the sheriff’s sale. No one bid. I followed it for about six months when it finally went up for auction online,” he said.
The bank, according to Kissinger, “wanted WAY too much for it.”
A post published on WashingtonCountyInsider.com in April listed the price at $74,200.
“It never sold and was relisted every week or so. They finally accepted my bid on the July 6 and I closed Friday, July 28,” he said.
Built in 1878 the former church has definitely been neglected for many years. “It is in very poor condition,” said Kissinger. “And that’s being nice.”
All of the church furniture was removed long ago. Although a new roof was put in place last October there is significant water damage and some leakage. Kissinger has already reconciled “this will be a long-term project.”
He also realizes he has to pace himself. “If the steeple cannot be saved I would like to rebuild it to its original 1878 appearance,” he said. Â “My friends are calling it St. Stevens.”
Kissinger’s plan is to work on it during the summer and hopefully have it ready by the time he retires in the next five years.
“I want to restore it and turn it into my own personal museum for all of my collections including a huge collection of the products from the West Bend Aluminum Company,” he said.
Kissinger also thinks it will be the perfect home for his pipe organ.
In the meantime, Kissinger has moved an old WWII pump organ into the building…. and if you listen close you can hear the hymn “Stand up for Jesus” coming through the doorway as you pass by.
I was President of the congregation at the time this building was sold to the previous owners. I am thrilled to hear that the inside will be restored. It has been 30 years since I have seen that beautiful painting at the front and have always wondered if it was painted over. Good luck on the restoration!!!
Having had many conversations with the new owner, Dr. Steve Kissinger, about the church, I know the restoration will be a labor of love and is motivated by a deep respect for the past. The church could not be in better hands.
I always wanted to buy a church or school house! A church, especially, with the religious glory embedded in it!