Onalaska, Polk County
This church was established in 1908 on land deeded by William Carlisle, the owner of the Carlisle-Pennel Lumber Company which organized the community of Onalaska. L.O. Jackson, superintendent of the lumber company, oversaw the church building and aided in the growth of both Methodist and Baptist congregations in Onalaska. The community and congregation thrived until the area's lumber industry declined following World War I. Nearby Lake Livingston was built in 1968 and by the 1970s, the church once again experienced substantial growth. Today, Onalaska First United Methodist Church continues to serve the community as a spiritual leaders. (2008)