Grace Episcopal Church, Madison

Grace Episcopal Church was constructed beginning in 1855 and completed in 1858 to a design by Milwaukee architect James Douglas. Its Gothic Revival elegance-with cream-colored sandstone, a distinguished square tower, and an octagonal wooden spire added in 1870-offers a beautiful study in mid‑19th-century ecclesiastical architecture.

The interior underwent significant transformation in the late 19th century: in 1885, a lowered ceiling with hammerbeam trusses adorned with quatrefoils was introduced to improve heating, maintaining the Gothic tradition. Over the next few decades, Grace Church’s sanctuary was enriched with splendid stained glass-among them the Resurrection Window crafted in England in 1887, a Tiffany baptismal window, and Munich‑made windows by Conrad Schmitt Studios in 1925.

The church is Madison’s oldest Episcopal congregation, tracing its roots to informal worship in 1838, before the city was even incorporated. The church has played a dynamic role in Madison’s civic and spiritual life, reflected in its 1976 listing on the National Register of Historic Places for its artistic, architectural, and religious significance. Grace also hosts the "Grace Presents" concert series, taking advantage of its fine acoustics and historic pipe organ, with 1,902 pipes, to bring music lovers and community members together.