The Rich History of Salem Ragatz Church
The beautiful stone church bears the hallmarks of the unique block and stack masonry of the Swiss settlers of the area. In 1904, lightning struck, a fire blazed, and only the stone walls were spared. It was quickly rebuilt, and services continued as they always did.
By the 1960s, it was known as the Salem United Methodist Church. By the early 1990s, the church was awarded status on the National Register of Historic Places, a program of the National Park Service. Regular services ceased at the church in 2000 when it was deeded to the Sauk Prairie Area Historical Society. But the essence of a century and a half of worship continues within its walls.
Anyone looking for a cozy, vintage location to get married or celebrate another occasion will love this unique setting. The grounds offer large shade trees surrounding the building as the backdrop for a wedding dinner tent. The sanctuary itself lends itself to a smaller group but normally seats 150-175 in 26 rows of wooden pews amid Gothic arches. It’s available for rent for anyone looking for an idyllic setting for a celebration of love and the beginnings of a new life for any couple and their loved ones.
The traditional stained glass and other windows lend natural and ambient lighting in the late afternoon or early evening. The stage decor is simple but reverent, and the acoustics are perfect for voices and instruments.