First Congregational Church (Ripon, Wisconsin)

The First Congregational Church of Ripon, Wisconsin, is a historic church located in the city of Ripon. Founded in 1850, the church is notable for its association with the early history of Ripon and its role in the anti-slavery movement. It is traditionally believed to be the location where the Republican Party was founded in 1854.

The church building itself, completed in 1862, is a significant example of Gothic Revival architecture. Its architectural features include pointed arches, stained glass windows, and a prominent steeple. The interior of the church is designed to reflect the Protestant ideals of simplicity and functionality.

Historically, the church served as a center for social and political activism, particularly in the years leading up to the Civil War. The meeting held there on March 1, 1854, is widely regarded as the first official meeting where individuals from the Whig, Free Soil, and Democratic parties gathered to organize and adopt the name "Republican." While the exact historical details of the meeting are debated, the First Congregational Church of Ripon remains a symbolic landmark in the origins of the Republican Party.

Today, the First Congregational Church continues to serve as an active congregation in Ripon, Wisconsin. It remains a significant historical and architectural landmark, recognized for its role in the religious, social, and political history of the region and the nation. The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.