Pleasant Ridge Church

Grant Township,

Clark County, WIs.

Page 2 of articles transcribed by Carol Mitte.

Pleasant Ridge Church has been also called: Ridge Church, 

Pleasant Ridge Community Church, 

and the Pleasant Ridge Methodist Church.

Located in the Town of Grant, Section 17, Clark County Wisconsin.

 

Former church now a home

Article from

The Clark County Press, September 19, 2001, Page 7

By Susan Peters

Curiosity led to interest.

That’s how it all began for the couple from Black River Falls, Roger and Sharon Erickson, who in 1995 purchased the old Pleasant Ridge Community Church building on Hwy. 10 between Neillsville and Granton.

With a daughter in Granton and a son in Neillsville, the Ericksons had often passed by the abandoned structure which was virtually hidden by overgrown brush and trees.

Built in the 1800s as a non-denominational church, the original building burned down in the late 1920s. The building as purchased by the Ericksons, had been rebuilt in 1932 and consisted of but one large room.

They were drawn to and inspired, to restore the old building, untended and empty since the 1960s. The Ericksons welcomed the challenge of fashioning for themselves a summer home.

Restoration of the building was a familiar endeavor for the Ericksons, a retired general contractor. He and his wife set right to work on the many projects related to their new purchase. A well had to be drilled, a septic system installed and windows were replaced. The roof was raised, an enclosed porch was added to the west side of the structure and the outhouse was replaced by indoor plumbing.

The Ericksons added a second story, creating three bedrooms and a sitting room.

Now six years later; with all the major work completed, the abandoned one room church, after much love and attention, has gone beyond serving the original intention as a summer home. It has been the Ericksons main residence for the past two years.

A sidewalk will eventually be put in, they said. The porch is on the list for additional painting and shutters will be going up around the windows.

The Ericksons are looking forward to more landscaping and yard work projects. “Were going to enjoy it!” said Sharon.

“We’ve got our projects lined up. It will be awhile before we’re done. There’s always something else.

“People still stop by,” said Sharon. “Some say their parents were married here. Many have asked if there are plans for a open house. There will be one, some time down the road,” said Sharon.

That will no doubt bring in many folks, curious as to the developments and transformation of a long abandoned building that with a lot of tender loving care, is once again full of life, and holds all the comforts of home. 

Pleasant Ridge Photo #3

This photo ran with the article in The Clark County Press, Sept 19, 2001,
with the caption:

   When the old Pleasant Ridge Church was purchased by the Ericksons in 1995, it had stood abandoned since the 1960s and was hidden from view by brush and trees, with only its steeple visible to passer-by.

Now in 2007, 12 years since the Ericksons purchased the property.  The Ericksons continue living in the church that they restored; they continue to spend a good part of the winter months at their home in Arizona, however their main residence is, the old church, at the corner of Highway 10 and Miller Avenue in Grant township Clark County Wisconsin, in the area known as Pleasant Ridge .The area also includes the Reed school which was also redone recently, and Suckow’s Pleasant Ridge feed mill, which today still does some business with local farmers.

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The following photos are from the album of, Sharon and Roger Erickson:

Pleasant Ridge Church Photo #4

View of the church and grounds when purchased in 1995, by the Erickson’s The buildings being hidden by the trees and brush of thirty plus years.

 

Pleasant Ridge Photo #5

After some clearing of brush and trees, the buildings including the old out house become visible again.

Pleasant Ridge Photo #6

Pleasant Ridge Photo#7

 

This is what the Pleasant Ridge Church and grounds, in the town of Grant, Clark County Wisconsin looks like now after many hours of clearing, cleaning, rebuilding, replacing of windows, siding and painting, by the Erickson’s. As far as wondering if the building was really worth saving? I think it speaks for itself.

 

Pleasant Ridge Photo#8

The old out house remains intact, serving a new purpose, as does the church building. One now a garden shed and they other a beautiful home.

Pleasant Ridge Photo #9

Front entrance of the Erickson home, after the remodeling. This entrance did have a bell above it at one time, The bell had been removed however by former owners before the Erickson’s took possession of the property.

With the appearance still evident of the old Pleasant Ridge Church, it combines beautifully, with the look of the Erickson’s new Pleasant Ridge Home.

Pleasant Ridge Photo #10

Pleasant Ridge Photo #11

Erickson Home

(The Old Pleasant Ridge Church)

Grant township, Clark County Wisconsin

 

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Web page by James W. Sternitzky PhD, July 29, 2007.

Return to Page 1 of Pleasant Ridge Church Articles

 

Return to Grant Township Churches Web Page

 

Return to Grant Township Home Page

 

 

 


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