FLORENCE, Wis. — History tells us that from the time the village of Florence was first settled, Presbyterians were holding prayer meetings and services in homes and later in the school house.

On Nov. 26, 1880, the first elders, William H. Washburn and Edward E. Keyes, were ordained by the Wisconsin Presbytery and the group of worshipers officially became a church.

The Rev. Harlan Page Cory assumed the duties of pastor on Jan.1, 1881, and during that month the congregation decided to build a church on property facing Norway Street between Lake and Spring Avenues.

At that time Florence was part of Marinette County. Using plans drawn by George Baird, by Feb. 5 carpenters were working. The frame was up by March 5 and the bell tower soared upward by April 2. Painting began the end of that mo

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