The 21st century has not been kind to rural Catholic parishes. A shortage of priests has caused the closing of some parishes while others are being merged. In 2000 St. Lawrence, along with two other parishes, became part of the St. Therese de Liseaux parish. Many of the churches that the Catholic diocese deemed unnecessary have had their furnishings auctioned off and the buildings have been sold.

A group of descendants of the early founders and others who are interested in seeing that St Lawrence church escape the fate of the auction block, banded together to form The Friends of St. Lawrence to preserve this hisorical church and it's place in the Bohemian culture so generations for years to come may enjoy this piece of our history.

The foundation has worked and succeeded in getting St Lawrence Church listed on the National and State of Wisconsin Historical Register. While obtaining this listing has been instrumental in preserving the church and its history there is stilll much work to be done. The goal of the foundation is to provide an endowment fund that will be self-supporting and provide for the preservation and mainentance of St Lawrence Church should the Catholic Diocese abandon it.

The foundation board of directors all serve as non-saried volunteers. All donations go directly to preservation efforts and maintenance of this magnificent historic church. Contributions are tax-exempt from federal income tax, federal estate tax, and federal gift purposes to the fullest extent of the law.

For information on making a donation email:

or contact the foundation treasurer:

Mrs. Betty Schleis
N1441 Knutson Road
Denmark, WI 54208
(920) 863-8232