The Cedars of Lebanon: A History of the Work of God at Mount Lebanon Evangelical Lutheran Church

Abstract

Philip J. Casmer’s essay traces the history of Mount Lebanon Evangelical Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from its founding in 1926 to its outreach efforts in the early 2000s. Originally established as a Wisconsin Synod mission in a rural area, the congregation grew rapidly, building its first chapel and school, then expanding to a larger church and educational facility by the 1950s and 1960s. Casmer highlights the congregation’s resilience during the Great Depression and its commitment to Christian education. The essay details architectural features, including the organ and stained-glass windows, as expressions of faith and beauty. In response to demographic shifts and urban challenges, Mount Lebanon launched an Early Childhood Center and joined the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program to better serve its predominantly Black neighborhood. Throughout its history, Mount Lebanon has remained focused on building God’s temple of believers through worship, education, and outreach. —Abstract by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)