NRHP Reference # 72000057 Added to NRHP 23 February 1972 | Area 809.4 m² | |
 | ||
Location New Diggings, Wisconsin Address Hill St, Shullsburg, WI 53586, USA Architectural styles Italianate architecture, Greek Revival architecture Similar Our Lady of Loretto Roman C, Saint Bernard's Church C, St Wenceslaus Roman C, Saint Patrick's Church, Church of St Thomas the Apostle | ||
Saint Augustine Church is a former Catholic parish located in New Diggings, Wisconsin. The church is in the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin. It is one of 36 parishes established by Father Samuel Mazzuchelli.
Description
Saint Augustine Church was founded in 1835, with the church being constructed in 1844. The church was recently restored with by a local Knights of Columbus group
The church, a small wooden structure, is a combination of Greek/gothic and classical styles. The plans for the building were drawn up by Father Mazzuchelli. The church had three rooms behind the altar that provided living quarters for the priest whenever he stayed in the village. Father Mazzuchelli opened a school in these rooms in 1847 and staffed the small school with the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters.
St. Augustine is no longer an active parish. However because of the special historical connection to Father Mazzuchelli, the church remains a place of pilgrimage. The building is open on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., and a memorial Mass is held annually on the last Sunday of August. A number of historical artifacts, such as account books, records, letters, and other materials are preserved in the archives at Sinsinawa Mound in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin.
The Historic American Buildings Survey named St. Augustine as worthy of preservation after nationwide interest was expressed in the church. The Father Mazzuchelli Assembly of the Knights of Columbus of Lancaster, Wisconsin is currently working to restore the building. The restoration and preservation of St Augustine is expected to be completed by mid-summer 2008.