Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI: 1913-1985

Abstract

Michael T. Barlow’s essay presents a detailed congregational history of Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, tracing its development from its founding in 1913 through 1985. Originally known as Auferstehungs Gemeinde, the church began as a German-speaking mission congregation and grew steadily under the leadership of its first full-time pastor, Arthur F. Krueger. Barlow documents the congregation’s transition to English services, its financial independence from the Wisconsin Synod, and its expansion through the construction of a new church building in 1955. The essay also explores the long tenure of Pastor Roland W. Ehlke, the challenges of internal conflict in the 1970s, and the eventual establishment of Risen Christ Lutheran School in partnership with Messiah Lutheran Church. Through archival research and interviews, Barlow highlights the congregation’s resilience, commitment to Christian education, and enduring faith amid changing times. —Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)