Shell Lake United Methodist Church

The Shell Lake United Methodist Church community began in 1886 as the Shell Lake Methodist Episcopal Church with 11 members. During the first two years, the church met in a two-room boxcar at what is now 605 First Street in Shell Lake, Wisconsin.

During this time the congregation purchased the school land site from the Shell Lake Lumber Company and built their first church. Serives were first held there in 1888. In January of 1899, the church burned while it was being heated for the Sunday morning service.

By December 1899, a new church with a similar architectural style had been constructed on the site, and it was the home of the congregation for the next 100 years. Money was raised later to put a bell in the bell tower, however, the tower could not support the bell, so the top of the tower was removed. Over time, an outdoor staircase was enclosed, a church office and classrooms were added. The new addition received a new roof style and cedar siding was added.

In 1939, three branches of Methodism united, and "Episcopal" was dropped from the name, and the church was known as the Shell Lake Methodist Church. Another merger, this time with the United Bretheren in 1972, changed the name again, and it was now known as the United Methodist Church.

Sometime after this, the church building was enhanced to give people more access as a parking lot and entrance ramp were added. Later, the building was sold to the Theatre in the Woods, and became the "Erica Quann Memorial Theatre". It is still an active part of the community today, being a part of the Shell Lake Arts Center programming.

On June 6 of 1999, the first church service was held in the newly built church located at 135 Reinhart Drive in Shell Lake.

Today, though we are still dealing with the effects of COVID on our community, the Shell Lake United Methodist Church remains a vibrant, involved and loving congregation made up of generations of believers who are fruitful in spirit, love and service. Come and join us as we journey on, committed to praise, prayer and in service in the name our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Come, there is a place for you here.