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After admiring its picturesque qualities for years, I chose to depict this scene of a historic little country church along the Rock and Walworth County line in southern Wisconsin. Here is a bit of history behind the church.
Records show the first settlers arrived in this territory in 1837. In the summer of 1872, the church was built atop a hill overlooking Richmond at a cost of $2,300. The first pastor was Ira S. Eldridge.

In 1909, church members bought and donated eight stained glass windows at a cost of $210. Later, in 1925, electricity was installed, replacing the old kerosene lamps.

In 1949, a faithful church member/trustee was killed in a car accident, and his family installed the church bell in his memory.
In December 2008, the steeple was rebuilt to its original height prior to a fire in 1968. The lighted cross atop the church steeple can be seen for miles around. A fellowship hall, kitchen, bathrooms, and Sunday school room were also added.

I have had a passion for art for nearly 45 years. I have done numerous commissioned works and participated in many gallery showings. I have sold my original work and prints to buyers worldwide. In 2015, I was honored by winning 1st place in the state wildlife division of the Wisconsin Regional Artists Association competition with the painting "Silent Sentinel." If you have an idea for a personal painting, I would be happy to talk about it as well. Just contact me with your idea. Thank you for taking time to read this and browse my collection.