Located 5 miles west of Prairie du Sac in the historic Honey Creek Swiss District, the Salem-Ragatz Historic Church is listed in the National Register of Historic places. In 1844, the first congregates of the parish met at the Bartholomew Ragatz home. With a deep devotion to his faith, Mr. Ragatz donated land in 1846 for construction of a log building west of the current church, next to the community's already-established cemetery. This early church was replaced with a stone structure in 1875. Three Swiss Stonemasons, Caspar Steuber, John P. Felix, and Peter Kindschi, used the region's unique "block and stack" technique for its construction.
In 1904, the church was struck by lightning and burned, leaving only the stone walls. It was rebuilt soon thereafter in the same footprint as the older church with a slightly shorter steeple. In 1942, three Gothic arches were added to the sanctuary of the church. Celebrations for the 125th anniversary and the 150th anniversary were held in 1969 and 1994.
The church is now available for tours, weddings, and gatherings. Contact a staff member of the Sauk Prairie Area Historical Society to learn more about this historic church, its availability for rental, or to set up a tour.
In 1904, the church was struck by lightning and burned, leaving only the stone walls. It was rebuilt soon thereafter in the same footprint as the older church with a slightly shorter steeple. In 1942, three Gothic arches were added to the sanctuary of the church. Celebrations for the 125th anniversary and the 150th anniversary were held in 1969 and 1994.
The church is now available for tours, weddings, and gatherings. Contact a staff member of the Sauk Prairie Area Historical Society to learn more about this historic church, its availability for rental, or to set up a tour.