St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin: The First Ten Years

Abstract

Arthur D. Callies chronicles the tumultuous early history of St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, focusing on its formation following a divisive split from St. Paul's congregation in the early 1920s. Central to the narrative is Pastor W. P. Hass, whose controversial leadership and doctrinal disputes led to legal battles, congregational schisms, and eventual suspension from the Wisconsin Synod. The essay explores key events such as the Watertown Case, the Fort Atkinson controversy, and the Beitz Paper, which fueled the rise of the Protes’tant movement. Drawing from court records, personal recollections, and synodical documents, Callies presents a detailed account of theological conflict, personal strife, and the resilience of a congregation seeking to uphold scriptural integrity. The work underscores the enduring importance of doctrinal clarity and congregational unity amid ecclesiastical challenges. —Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)