[et_pb_section fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off”][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Salem Past” src=”https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/420\/2015\/01\/SLC16.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” animation=”off” sticky=”off” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image: Salem Today” src=”https:\/\/pages.stolaf.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/420\/2015\/01\/SLC14.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” animation=”off” sticky=”off” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text: Central, KC” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left”]<\/p>\n
The Salem Lutheran Landmark Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin began in 1847 on Christmas Day. The congregation was composed mainly of German settlers from Pennsylvania, and the first church building was completed in mid-1849 in Granville. The Salem Lutheran congregation was among several in the area that helped to form a German Synod in Wisconsin. Because of this, the church is widely acknowledged as the founder of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). The church has remained part of this Synod ever since its inception. After a denominational schism in 1860, the Lutheran members reformed their congregation in Milwaukee, building a new church in 1863. This is the longest-running and most well known incarnation of the Salem Lutheran Landmark Church\u2019s buildings. The congregation worshiped in the space until 1977, when the decision was made to build a new church and repurpose the old building into the WELS Historical Institute, a museum about the history of the church and the WELS as a whole. The city of Milwaukee named the old Landmark Church as an historic site in 1992, and in 2013 the current Salem Lutheran congregation celebrated 150 years since the first Landmark Church had been built.<\/p>\n
The Salem Lutheran Landmark Church bears great resemblance to many current Lutheran congregations. As per Luther\u2019s practices, pastors of the church are allowed to marry, as both currently serving pastors are. Many practices the church advertises on its website are in alignment with Luther\u2019s teachings, such as a heavy importance on Christ and the Word of God. The website reads, \u201cSalem congregation has existed since 1847 to serve people with\u00a0a message that is more important than any other-the message of Jesus Christ, who is the only Savior from sin and our only hope for eternal life in heaven.\u201d In this way they are similar to most other Lutheran congregations. The church also takes pride in its history and traditions, much like many other Lutheran churches. However, the Salem church appears to emphasize and focus more on its history more than most other churches. This is most evident in their conversion of the old church building into a museum, solidified by its designation as an historic site. Additionally, the church advertises itself as the \u201cBirthplace of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.\u201d This can come across as significantly more marketed and superficial to some, but many could also see it as an important aspect of the congregation\u2019s history and heritage. Whatever the reason, the Salem Landmark Church is distinctive for its celebration of its longstanding heritage and dedicated congregation, many of which can trace their ancestors back to the original families who founded the church.<\/p>\n
Another interesting note is that the church has a fully functional Kindergarten through 8th<\/sup> grade school system designed to teach children the Word of God alongside a traditional education. First built in 1887 as an adjacent building to the church, its current incarnation still serves the same purpose. The principal of the school has a message on the church\u2019s website, including, \u201cWe also know that we can offer the children at our school a tremendous education.\u00a0 This happens because everyone involved in education…all work together to educate our students both in traditional school subjects as well as in God’s Holy Word.\u201d Several other Lutheran churches have similar programs, with the aim being to give back to the community and serve its members.<\/p>\n In 2009 a member of the congregation named Brian Brehmer became interested in founding a group that would support the church as it sought out or required renovations. He then began the \u201cFriends of the Landmark Church,\u201d an organization dedicated to the preservation of the church buildings and grounds, to ensure that they are kept in good condition. This is reflective of the church\u2019s strong ties to its history, as is its many renovation projects in the past. These include the 1887 addition of the school building, the installation of a pipe organ, and the careful expansion of the church\u2019s basement. The large amount of time and money the congregation has spent keeping its church in good condition is noteworthy, and the Friends of the Landmark Church are continuing the longstanding support by helping to fund various projects in order to continue future renovations and updates to current church as well as the WELS Historical Institute.<\/p>\n Cory Grider, Parker West, Tyler Nelson<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left”]\n\n