The Posted Coordinates will take you to a micro container.
In addition, there is a waypoint, where you will find clues for solving E & J in the Series Finale Puzzle. (See the Waypoint Description and Clue Pics in the Gallery).
Clue for E: Red Granite Block dated (196X)
E = X + 2
Clue for J: Number of Benches (Y) by the southeast Courtyard Entrance.
J = Y x 2
The Ecumenical Tour Series will take you on a Walking/Driving Tour that highlights the varied and beautiful historic churches in downtown Wausau. Go for a nice walk, or sit back and take a pleasant ride. Either way, we hope you enjoy your discovery of the history and inspired architecture of these magnificent churches.
Please enjoy your visit to the lovely First United Methodist courtyard gardens. Take a seat on one of the benches or patio chairs that have been provided, and let yourself rest in this comforting tranquil environment.
THE METHODIST CONGREGATION
Source: History of Marathon County Wisconsin and Representative Citizens (1913) written by Louis Marchetti, pages 352-366 (Transcribed by Marla Zwakman)
It seems that the Methodists were the first of all religious denominations to hold regular church service in Wausau. The first church was organized in 1846 with Reverend Greenleaf of Stevens Point coming up and holding meetings. They had visiting ministers regularly as early as 1853, and Rev. M. D. Warner organized a class with the assistance of Judge Kennedy. Somewhat later M. H. Barnum was called upon by the people to fill the pulpit, which he did for about one year. On the 12th day of May, 1858, at the conference in Beloit, Bishop Morris made Wausau a regular appointment, sending Rev. R. S. Hayward as the first regularly stationed pastor, and in 1859 a church and parsonage were completed on corner of Second and Grant streets. Rev. W. J. Olmstead was assigned to the post and had a successful year. In 1861 Rev. C. Baldock had charge of Wausau and Mosinee. In 1862 Reverend Olmstead was returned, remaining until 1865, when Reverend Bassett came. In 1866 Rev. William Willard was here until 1868; the parsonage burned in 1866, the pastor losing all his goods; from 1868 to 1869, the year the church burned, Rev. J. T. Gaskell was the pastor.
The church was soon rebuilt and the following named ministers attended to the religious wants of the congregation: 1870, Rev. E. T. Briggs; 1871, Rev. H. B. Crandall; 1872-75, Thomas Walker. Then there were Revs. G. Fallows. Jesse Coles, J. T. Chynoweth, W. W. Stevens and Benjamin Sanford, who was pastor from 1880 to 1882, followed by C. L. Logan, 1882-83; F. L. Wharton, 1883-86; J. S. Davies, 1886-89; George Vader, 1889-94; Enoch Perry, 1894-97; B. T. Sanford, 1897-99; Frank Pease, 1899-1903; G. C. Carmichael, 1903-05; F. H. Brigham, 1905-12; Richard Evans, 1912.
The church built at corner of Second and Grant streets was sold to the Catholic St. James congregation after the new First Methodist Episcopal church on Third and Franklin streets was completed and occupied. This church is one of the largest and finest edifices in the city. It was completed in 1905 at a cost of about forty thousand dollars. The cornerstone was laid by Bishop H. C. McCabe, August 12, 1904, with appropriate ceremonies, Mayor Zimmermann taking part therein. While this church building seemed very large when built, it does not more than comfortably seat the present congregation, which is constantly growing.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Source: Wisconsin Historical Society - online reference site wisconsinhistory.org
Year Built: 1959
Architect:George Foster
Derived from the oldest Methodist congregation, the First United Methodist Church retains historical significance. Architecturally, the church is an excellent example of post-World War II religious modernism in Wausau. The architect-designed complex is embellished with 1950s and 1960s building materials and retains excellent integrity.
The First United Methodist Church is part of a congregation that is the oldest in Wausau. The Methodists of Wausau were the first of any organized denomination in the city, dating back to at least 1847. That year, a revival meeting was held by an interant minister on Clarke Island. In 1972 the congregation was renamed from the First Methodist Church of Wausau to the First United Methodist Church of Wausau. Throughout its history, the congregation has occupied several buildings in various locations in Wausau. Their present fellowship hall dates to 1959 and the sanctuary to 1966, and it was designed by architect George Foster. Foster (1910-1967) was a descendant of pioneer Wausau families and graduated from the Yale University architecture school in 1935. Prior to starting his own practice in 1950, Foster designed with Taylor and Maas, a Stevens Point architectural firm, and later, with Morris O'Connor in New York.
Bibliographic References: (A) The History of the First United Methodist Church. Wausau, Wisconsin: First United Methodist Church, 1997. (B) Aucutt, Donald Michael, Mary Jane Uecker Hettinga, and Kathleen Jansen. Wausau Beautiful: A Guide to Our Historic Architecture. Wausau, Wisconsin: Friends of Wausau Historic Landmarks, 2007.
Permission to place this cache was granted by Rev. Jerry Morris - Pastor.