First United Presbyterian Church - Loana, Wisconsin
The First United Presbyterian Church
From the Memories of Forest County Research Project - 1980
In June 1899, the first sermon at Laona was given by Mr. S.A. Martin. By May 31, 1901, there were regular services once a week at Laona. Also a Bible School was organized.
February 12, 1902, Reverend J.R. Macartnez, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Oconto held a service and received the following nine persons: Mr. S. Kirkpatrick, Mrs. S. Kirkpatrick, Mr. and Mrs. Elihue Snow, Mr. and Mrs. George Vernters, and Mr. and Mrs. Levi Starks.
Also several were baptized on this date but there are no records of the names. First recorded baptismal were on July 10, 1904 when Reverend Wilson baptized Charles Vernters, Verlin Snowden, Fay Lutz and Ida Lewis.
In May 1903, F.C. Boller was to be reverend for four months, then left but came back to serve from 1904-1908. At this time the decision of building a church was made. The land was purchased from the North Western Railroad company.
The church is one of the older buildings in Laona, having been built in 1904 with all volunteer labor. The dedication was two years later on August 12, 1906.
The first recorded death was Elsie Davis at age six on September 4, 1920. The first marriage in the Presbyterian church was on September 4, 1920 when Reverend Garland united R. Clifford Helsey and Janet Ritter. Then on February 12, 1921, Reverend united Dr. Ovits and Anna Belle Brooks.
On August 26, 1979, the First United Presbyterian Church celebrated their 75th anniversary.
The pastors of the Presbyterian church were: Reverend Fred C. Boller (1904-1908), Reverend Shull Burris (1913-1914), Reverend Frank Harris (1927-1937), Reverend Clifford E. Haskins (1938-1954) and Reverend Edgar T. Gharis (1966- to date).
First United Presbyterian Church - Loana, Wisconsin built in 1904. Teal Family Postcard
