St. Augustine Church, New Diggins, Wisconsin

Built with his own hands, Father Samuel Mazzuchelli founded this historic church and served as its Pastor from 1844 to 1849. Regular Sunday services continued until 1900. The church is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Structures.

Typical of Father Mazzuchelli's designs, the ediface is of Greco-Gothic architecture. Built solidly, the structure has notched wood planks which create the sturdy, perputually standing walls, erected in 1844.

He built many churches during the 1830's and 1840's, numbering up to 24. These buildings can be found in the tri-state area of Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. An immigrant from Italy, Father Mazzuchelli landed in New Diggins, Wisconsin area to provide spiritual guidance to the many lead miners that flooded the Wisconsin Lead Region.

St. Augustine Church is the longest standing stucture built by the Pastor. It is truly a testament of his craftsmanship and heavenly work, that this building still stands sturdy today, without any alterations.

Father Mazzuchelli died on February 23, 1864 and is buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery, in nearby Benton, where he also officiated.

To preserve this landmark, The Mazzuchelli Assembly Knights of Columbus from Lancaster, Wisconsin have created a restorative fund for St. Augustine Church.