Holy Nativity Episcopal Church

The origins of the Church of the Holy nativity date back to the Summer of 1882 when the first Bishop of Fond du Lac sent the Rev. W.R. Gardner to Jacksonport to minister to the many Anglicans in the largely Canadian population. At that time, Jacksonport, a village of about 850 people, had three piers at which lake freighters loaded timber and fish for the growing cities located on southern Lake Michigan. No fewer than 59 ships loaded with timber left piers during the Summer of 1887.

As a result of the Rev. Gardner’s visit, the Anglicans raised $100 for the purchase of 60 acres of land, enough for the church and for a future Vicar to grow his own crops and support himself and his family.

The Woman’s Auxiliary of the Church of the Advent in Boston sent additional funds which allowed the cornerstone of the church to be laid on September 27, 1885. The first service was held in the building on July 25, 1886. As is traditional in English churches, the altar is oriented towards the east, with the sanctuary separated from the nave by a rood screen surmounted by a cross. The following year, 1887, the first Vicar, the Rev. E. R. Sweatland, arrived.

The grounds once held a vicarage with a parish hall attached to it. These buildings were destroyed b fire in 1936. A cemetery is located north of the church. The oldest grave marker is dated 1890.

To many, the Church of the Holy Nativity is known as “Rev. Jameson’s Church.” The Rev. Joseph Jameson served from 1889 to 1924. With his wife, he farmed the land, raised a family of seven children and initially ministered to all Episcopalians in Door and Kewaunee Counties. One Sunday each month he visited missions in Algoma, Sturgeon Bay, and Fish Creek, traveling by bicycle, or by horse-drawn carriage when the Bishop visited. By the turn of the century, the Rev. Jameson was able to concentrate his efforts in Jacksonport and Fish Creek alone.

With the end of the timber and fishing booms, the population of Jacksonport shrunk but the church still has a year-round congregation. The parish has two church buildings, the other being Christ the King Church in Sturgeon Bay. One vicar serves both churches.