Venue Information

In 1847, seeking freedom of expression, twenty-two abolitionists from two prominent Milwaukee churches joined forces to create what became known as the Grand Avenue Congregational Church.

The current site (2133 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee) was purchased by the congregation in 1886, and the church itself was built the following year, designed by architect Edward Townsend Mix.  It is said that the site (the street was then named Grand Avenue) was originally part of a fprmer Catholic cemetery, and that two skeletons were uncovered when construction began in the basement.  In 1910 a magnificent 4000+ pipe Kimball organ was added.  In 1986 the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A principle feature of the new building was the remarkably large church auditorium, which was equipped to seat 1,300 persons.  For over 60 years this remained Milwaukee’s largest auditorium for public use.

The Grand Avenue Congregat ...