Did you know?
Oakland Cambridge Presbyterian Church is the oldest congregation in Cambridge and one of the earliest Presbyterian Congregations in Wisconsin.
A brief history of Oakland Cambridge Presbyterian Church
Like many mainline Protestant churches, OCPC experienced significant growth for several decades starting in the 1940’s. As time went on, membership declined, reflecting broader changes in church life across the country. Even so, the congregation remained active and faithful. Today, OCPC continues a vital ministry, gathering for worship each Sunday and supporting ministries that serve the village of Cambridge and beyond. On June 22, 2024, the church celebrated its 175th Anniversary, giving thanks for generations of faithful witness. Scripture often speaks of “faithful remnants”—people who remain loyal to God through changing times. Oakland Cambridge Presbyterian Church stands in that tradition; a community of believers seeking to follow Jesus Christ, live out faith in daily life, and serve others as Christ taught and demonstrated. From its humble beginnings to its present-day mission, Oakland Cambridge Presbyterian Church continues its story—grounded in faith, shaped by history and open to God’s future.
Oakland Cambridge Presbyterian Church traces its beginnings to March 3,
1849, when a small but determined group gathered to form a Presbyterian
congregation on the Wisconsin frontier.
The early church was led by the Rev William Cargen, a medical missionary,
and included thirty-seven immigrants from Scotland, Canada, England and
New York. In those early years, the minister’s lodging, known as a manse,
also served as the place of worship. This first gathering place was located
at Lake Ripley, at what is now Lake Ripley Cemetery.
As the congregation grew, the need for a permanent sanctuary became
clear. A new church was built and dedicated on January 6, 1889, at the
church’s current location, 313 E main St, Cambridge, WI. Soon afterward,
the congregation constructed a new manse on land just east of the
church. That home was owned and cared for by the congregation for many years, until being sold in November, 2025.
