Sayner Community Church

On Thursday evening, August 10, 2023, about 30 concerned full- and part-time residents gathered at the church at 2995 Plum Lake Drive, Sayner, WI, to discuss preserving one of the town’s few remaining historic structures.

Built in 1916 through community fundraising led by Herbert Warner, the church was dedicated on August 25, 1917, by Dr. Thomas Goodspeed—a founder of the University of Chicago. His son, Edgar Goodspeed, worked on his Bible translation nearby on Plum Lake.

The building urgently needs structural renovations, prioritized as follows:

1. Foundation: Raise the structure to install a new concrete foundation and crawl space, allowing floor joist repairs, ductwork, and water line access.
    
2. Addition: Build a 20' x 30' rear addition with an ADA-accessible restroom, mechanical room, office, and fellowship area. Include a north-side accessible entrance.
    
3. Insulation and Ceilings: Vaulted pine ceilings with spray foam insulation, LED lighting, fans, and speakers.
    
4. Wall Insulation: Insulate the perimeter rim joists and new addition’s exterior walls.
    
5. Windows: Replace existing windows to match those in the addition.
    
6. Front Steps: Raise historic concrete steps to align with the steeple entrance.
    
7. Water Management: Add gutters and downspouts.
    
8. Sidewalk: Install a 4' concrete walkway along the north side with a connection to the main entrance.
    
9. Parking: Designate parking on the north side after main renovations.
    
10. Outdoor Sanctuary: Create a rear outdoor worship area, naturally tiered by the lot’s slope.