Wisconsin — The Milwaukee Central Church celebrated their 60th anniversary (1944–2004) on Apr. 29–May 1, 2004, as they commemorated God’s leading in the past, celebrated His working in the present, and consecrated themselves to His cause in the future. Former pastors Bruce Babienco, Fred Stephan, and Halvard Thomsen were the speakers, and the events concluded with a time of music and memories.
The Milwaukee Central Church building was once a mansion. Built in 1912 at a cost of $300,000, it was a love gift from J. Hoyt Smith, a wealthy grain broker, to his bride. He spared no expense to make it as beautiful and unusual as possible.
After Mrs. Smith’s death, none of the heirs wished to keep the mansion, and it was placed on the market in 1942. During those war years, an Adventist congregation was seeking a new church home. Construction was prohibited, but remodeling was permissible, and they were able to purchase the mansion for $20,000. The original architects were consulted and the blueprints located, enabling them to keep intact many original features.
This mansion-church has several unique features. The foyer walls are paneled with golden oak and topped by a frieze depicting the Book of Life. This motif is repeated on every other pew in the sanctuary. The hand-carved newel post and staircase banister to the second floor sanctuary is elegant as it features intricate pillars. The library off the foyer has hand-laid mahogany floors, with the upper walls covered in a delicate floral design, hand tooled on elephant hide. The ceiling is silver leaf surrounded with a blue border.
The center room off the foyer is the Fireside Chapel with a beautiful Italian marble fireplace—quarried, constructed, and designed in Italy, and installed here by workman from Italy. A small elevator from the basement to the third floor is still in use. The sanctuary with its high-peaked ceiling allows for a spacious worship area. The basement’s game, projection, and laundry rooms are now Sabbath school divisions, and the 14-car garage with its white glazed brick walls serves as the fellowship hall with a kitchen at one end.
The Milwaukee Central Church members give glory to God who made it possible for them to have this unique house of worship. They continue to use this gift of love to spread Christ’s everlasting gospel to the community as they remember 60 years of His generous blessings.
Bruce Babienco, Herald volunteer correspondent
