At first glance, the church in this photograph is unmistakable. The tall central steeple, rose window, brick walls and Gothic arches still define the Swiss Church at 18 Fifth Avenue today. Look more closely, however, and this is a version of one of New Glarus’ most familiar landmarks that no longer exists.

The present brick church was constructed in 1900 after the Swiss Reformed congregation outgrew the stone church that had occupied the hill since 1858. The new sanctuary was dedicated March 24, 1901. Look closely at the upper tower in this photograph. Notice the round openings beneath the main steeple, exactly where the clock faces would later be installed. Here, they are still open and dark. Snow covers the ground, while lumber and other building materials remain scattered around the church. Taken together, those details strongly suggest the photograph was made during the final stages of construction, likely in the winter of 1900-01. 

What stands out most, however, is above the roofline. The church originally bristled with slender masonry pinnacles, each extending the vertical lines of the Gothic Revival building upward. Many were crowned with elaborate fleur-de-lis-style finials. Smaller versions appeared on gables and secondary towers, creating a considerably more ornate silhouette than the church has today.