Step into a timeless treasure in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

Christ Church is an exquisite, unaltered mid-19th-century Carpenter’s Gothic gem nestled in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

Christ Church traces its origins to 1856, when early settlers arrived in Bayfield, envisioning a thriving inland seaport. Their dream took shape as land was secured, a chapel was built, and on April 8, 1870, the church was officially founded as Christ Church Mission of Bayfield.

Today, this sacred space stands as one of Wisconsin’s best-preserved historic Carpenter’s Gothic churches, which has been proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1974.

Unlike other historic churches, such as St. John Chrysostom Church in Delafield or St. Peter’s Church in Ripon, which may equal or rival its beauty but have undergone remodeling or alterations, Christ Church stands alone in preserving its original design. Its Carpenter’s Gothic structure remains untouched, maintaining the authentic craftsmanship and vision of its 1870 construction. While the sensitive additions of the Queen Anne bell tower in 1883 and the semicircular apse in 1893 enhance its form, they do so without compromising the integrity of its authentic 1870 Carpenter’s Gothic structure, making it a singular treasure in Wisconsin’s architectural and spiritual heritage.

Christ Church’s rare and pristine architecture, along with its exquisite craftsmanship, continues to captivate visitors, offering a window into the artistry and devotion of its time.

Architectural Marvels of the Exterior

The church’s Carpenter’s Gothic style is a feast for the eyes, characterized by vertical board-and-batten walls, a steeply pitched gable roof, and a subtly pointed entrance arch. Don’t miss the delicate, scroll-sawn gingerbread bargeboards adorning the front gables—a hallmark of this architectural style.

Over the years, thoughtful additions have enhanced its charm, including the Queen Anne bell tower with its distinctive pyramidal roof, added in 1883 at the southeast corner, and the graceful semicircular apse constructed in 1893 at the west end. The radiant Tiffany-style stained glass windows, installed between 1892 and 1896, add vibrant color and spiritual depth to the structure, drawing visitors to pause and reflect on their beauty.

Interior Splendor and Sacred Details

Inside, the Gothic Revival design unfolds in all its glory. The pyramidal roof, supported by pointed arches, scalloped louvers, and bracketed gables, creates an awe-inspiring atmosphere that feels both grand and intimate. The elaborate chancel arch, crafted from locally milled white pine, separates the nave from the chancel and sanctuary, showcasing the same stunning craftsmanship as when it was built in 1870.

Original varnished wood carvings and hand-hewn pews add warmth and authenticity, inviting visitors to connect with the church’s rich history. The Tiffany-style stained glass windows—three behind the altar from 1892 and larger flanking windows from 1896—bathe the sanctuary in ethereal light, their intricate designs complementing the curved rear gable of the semicircular sanctuary.

Special features elevate the church’s spiritual and cultural significance. The high altar, a cherished gift from 1873, was rediscovered in 1996 and lovingly restored for use in Holy Eucharist services, linking past and present worshippers. A hanging sacrament lamp, added in 1996, glows as a symbol of the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle, adding a warm, sacred ambiance.

The Icon of Our Lady of Walsingham, hand-painted in 1996 by artist Christine Pohuly, is a masterpiece that blends sacred art with local culture. Depicting Mary and the Christ Child alongside regional symbols and Native American artistic influences, it serves as a powerful testament to the church’s deep connection to its Bayfield community.

Historical Timeline

• 1857: C. B. Rittenhouse donated the land on which Christ Church would later be built, laying the groundwork for its establishment. The outbreak of the Civil War during this period brought prosperity to Bayfield, as the demand for the area’s lumber surged, fueling economic growth and setting the stage for the church’s founding.

• 1870: On April 8, Christ Church was founded as the Church Mission of Bayfield, marking it as Northern Wisconsin’s first Episcopal church. The original structure, a rectangular sanctuary with a gabled entry, was constructed from local white pine lumber and remarkable attention to detail, embodying the Carpenter’s Gothic style and laying the foundation for its enduring legacy. The mission was formally organized in the Diocese of Wisconsin under Bishop Jackson Kemper. (See the sketch of the original form on the right.)

• 1873: A generous donor gifted the high altar, which was placed in the chancel as a focal point for worship. Lost to time for over a century, it was rediscovered in 1996 and meticulously restored, allowing it to resume its sacred role in Holy Eucharist services and reconnecting the congregation with its historical roots. The original hand-hewn pews also remain in use today.

• 1883: A square belfry-tower with a distinctive Queen Anne-style pyramidal roof was added to the southeast corner, enhancing the church’s silhouette and providing a functional and aesthetic upgrade that complemented its Gothic charm.

• 1893: The west end of the church was transformed with the addition of a semicircular apse, creating a more expansive and graceful sanctuary space that enriched the worship experience and aligned with the evolving needs of the congregation. To fill our prayers and hymns with music, a harmonium built by Story and Clark of Chicago was added to complement the church’s exquisite Carpenter’s Gothic architecture perfectly. The original harmonium is currently absent from the church, but can be seen in excellent condition at Bayfield Presbyterian Church. (Read more about this unfortunate situation below.)

• 1892–1896: The installation of Tiffany-style stained glass windows marked a significant enhancement to the church’s beauty. In 1892, three windows were placed behind the altar, casting vibrant light into the sanctuary. In 1896, larger flanking windows were added, their intricate designs further elevating the spiritual and artistic ambiance.

• 1948: The original cedar post foundation, which had supported the church for nearly eight decades, was replaced with a more durable concrete foundation, ensuring the structure’s stability and preservation for future generations.

• 1974: On December 26, Christ Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places, a testament to its architectural significance and historical value as one of Wisconsin’s best-preserved 19th-century churches.

• 1996: Two meaningful additions enriched the church’s spiritual life. A hanging sacrament lamp was installed, its gentle glow signifying the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle. Additionally, the Icon of Our Lady of Walsingham was consecrated, a hand-painted work by Christine Pohuly that weaves together sacred imagery, regional symbols, and Native American artistry, celebrating the church’s deep ties to its community.