South Wisconsin District (LCMS)
Encyclopedia
The South Wisconsin District is one of the 35 districts
of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
(LCMS), and covers the southern third of the state of Wisconsin
. The northern two-thirds are in the North Wisconsin District
; there are also two Wisconsin congregations in the Minnesota North District
. In addition, twelve congregations in the South Wisconsin District's area are in the non-geographic English District
, and two are in the SELC District
. The South Wisconsin District includes approximately 212 congregations and missions, subdivided into 27 circuits
, as well as 34 preschools, 63 elementary schools
and 7 high schools. Baptized
membership in district congregations is approximately 125,000.
The South Wisconsin District was formed in 1916 when the Wisconsin District was divided. District offices are located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
; the Rev. John Wille became the district president in September 2006. Delegates from each congregation meet in convention every three years to elect the district president, vice presidents, circuit counselors, a board of directors, and other officers. The last convention was held in 2009, and the next will be held June 10-12, 2012 on the campus of Concordia University Wisconsin.
Concordia University Wisconsin
in Mequon
, part of the LCMS' Concordia University System
, is located within the district. Camp LuWiSoMo in Wild Rose, Wisconsin
is owned and operated by the South Wisconsin District.
Districts of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod is organized into 35 districts, 33 of which are defined along geographic lines. Each district has a president who oversees the congregations in his district, which are further subdivided into local circuits...
of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod is a traditional, confessional Lutheran denomination in the United States. With 2.3 million members, it is both the eighth largest Protestant denomination and the second-largest Lutheran body in the U.S. after the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The Synod...
(LCMS), and covers the southern third of the state of Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
. The northern two-thirds are in the North Wisconsin District
North Wisconsin District (LCMS)
The North Wisconsin District is one of the 35 districts of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod , and covers the northern two-thirds of Wisconsin as well as the western half of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. In addition, one congregation in the district's area is in the non-geographic SELC District...
; there are also two Wisconsin congregations in the Minnesota North District
Minnesota North District (LCMS)
The Minnesota North District is one of the 35 districts of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod , and covers the northern two-thirds of the state of Minnesota; it also includes two congregations in Wisconsin. The southern third of Minnesota constitutes the Minnesota South District, and the rest of...
. In addition, twelve congregations in the South Wisconsin District's area are in the non-geographic English District
English District (LCMS)
The English District is one of the 35 districts of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod . It is one of the Synod's two non-geographical districts, along with the SELC District, and has its origins in the congregations of the former English Evangelical Lutheran Synod, which merged with the LCMS in...
, and two are in the SELC District
SELC District (LCMS)
The SELC District is one of the 35 districts of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod . It is one of the Synod's two non-geographical districts, along with the English District, and has its origins in the congregations of the former Slovak Evangelical Lutheran Church, which merged with the LCMS in...
. The South Wisconsin District includes approximately 212 congregations and missions, subdivided into 27 circuits
Circuit (LCMS)
A circuit, in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod , is a local grouping of congregations within one of the Synod's 35 districts. Circuits typically include 8 to 12 congregations...
, as well as 34 preschools, 63 elementary schools
Lutheran school
Lutheran schools and education were a priority for Lutherans who emigrated to the United States and Australia from Germany and Scandinavia. One of the first things they did was to create schools for their children. This strong educational tradition was handed down from Martin Luther himself. The...
and 7 high schools. Baptized
Baptism
In Christianity, baptism is for the majority the rite of admission , almost invariably with the use of water, into the Christian Church generally and also membership of a particular church tradition...
membership in district congregations is approximately 125,000.
The South Wisconsin District was formed in 1916 when the Wisconsin District was divided. District offices are located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is the largest city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, the 28th most populous city in the United States and 39th most populous region in the United States. It is the county seat of Milwaukee County and is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. According to 2010 census data, the...
; the Rev. John Wille became the district president in September 2006. Delegates from each congregation meet in convention every three years to elect the district president, vice presidents, circuit counselors, a board of directors, and other officers. The last convention was held in 2009, and the next will be held June 10-12, 2012 on the campus of Concordia University Wisconsin.
Concordia University Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin is a private liberal arts college located in Mequon, Wisconsin. The school is an affiliate of the 10-member Concordia University System, which is operated by the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod ....
in Mequon
Mequon, Wisconsin
Mequon is a city in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. It had a population of 21,823 at the 2000 census, and an estimated population of 23,739 in July 2009...
, part of the LCMS' Concordia University System
Concordia University System
The Concordia University System is an organization of ten colleges and universities throughout the United States operated by the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod . All ten institutions are named "Concordia" and all include professional church work programs as part of their curricula. The CUS was...
, is located within the district. Camp LuWiSoMo in Wild Rose, Wisconsin
Wild Rose, Wisconsin
Wild Rose is a village in Waushara County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 765 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Wild Rose is located at ....
is owned and operated by the South Wisconsin District.
Presidents
- Rev. Edward Albrecht, 1916–21 (Pastor, Nazareth/Milwaukee)
- Rev. Henry John Andrew Grueber, 1921–32 (Pastor, Trinity/Milwaukee)
- Rev. John Frederick Boerger, 1932–36 (Pastor, St. John/Racine)
- Rev. Fred A. Schwertfeger, 1936–48 (Pastor, St. Stephen/Horicon)
- Rev. Arthur H. Oswald, 1948–53 (Pastor, St. Martini/Milwaukee)
- Rev. Herbert W. Baxmann, 1953–70 (Pastor, St. John/Plymouth; became district's first full-time president in 1963)
- Rev. Karl L. Barth, 1970–82 (Pastor, St. Paul/West Allis)
- Rev. Harvey Krueger, 1982-1988 (Pastor, Trinity/Sheboygan)
- Rev. Edwin S. Suelflow, 1988-94 (Pastor, Walther Memorial/Milwaukee)
- Rev. Ronald E. Meyer, 1994-2006 (Stewardship Executive, South Wisconsin District)
- Rev. John C. Wille, 2006-present (Pastor, Good Shepherd/Tomah)
Oldest congregations
- 1839 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Mequon, WisconsinMequon, WisconsinMequon is a city in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. It had a population of 21,823 at the 2000 census, and an estimated population of 23,739 in July 2009...
- 1847 - Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church (Mayville, Wisconsin)Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church (Mayville, Wisconsin)The Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church is a church in Mayville, Wisconsin, United States, formed by German immigrants, who, in 1846, arrived in Wisconsin from Nahausen, Prussia...
- 1847 - Trinity Evangelical Lutheran ChurchTrinity Evangelical Lutheran ChurchTrinity Evangelical Lutheran Church is a church located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated State Historic Site...
, Kilbourn Town, Milwaukee, Wisconsin - 1848 - Saint Peter-Immanuel Lutheran Church, Menomonee River Hills, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- 1851 - Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Grafton, WisconsinGrafton, WisconsinGrafton is a village in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 10,312 at the 2000 census. The village is adjacent to the Town of Grafton and the City of Cedarburg.-History:...
- 1853 - First Immanuel Lutheran Church, Cedarburg, WisconsinCedarburg, WisconsinCedarburg is a city in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, United States with Cedar Creek running through it. The city is bordered by the Village of Grafton to the east and the Town of Cedarburg elsewhere...
- 1853 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Howards Grove, WisconsinHowards Grove, WisconsinHowards Grove is a village in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,792 at the 2000 census. It is included in the Sheboygan, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Howards Grove is located at ....
- 1853 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Sheboygan, WisconsinSheboygan, Wisconsin-Airport:Sheboygan is served by the Sheboygan County Memorial Airport, which is located several miles from the city.-Roads:Interstate 43 is the primary north-south transportation route into Sheboygan, and forms the west boundary of the city. U.S...
- 1853 - Trinity Lutheran Church - Town Wilson, Sheboygan, WisconsinSheboygan, Wisconsin-Airport:Sheboygan is served by the Sheboygan County Memorial Airport, which is located several miles from the city.-Roads:Interstate 43 is the primary north-south transportation route into Sheboygan, and forms the west boundary of the city. U.S...
- 1854 - Saint John Lutheran Church, Loganville, WisconsinLoganville, WisconsinLoganville is a village in Sauk County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 276 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Loganville is located at ....
- 1854 - Saint Stephen Lutheran Church, Walker's Point, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- 1855 - Saint John Lutheran Church, Plymouth, WisconsinPlymouth, WisconsinPlymouth is a city in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, along the Mullet River. The population was 7,781 at the 2000 census. It is included in the Sheboygan, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is located within the Town of Plymouth, but is politically independent...
- 1855 - Saint John Lutheran Church, Random Lake, WisconsinRandom Lake, WisconsinRandom Lake is a village in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,551 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Sheboygan, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Random Lake is located at ....
- 1855 - Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Sheboygan Falls, WisconsinSheboygan Falls, WisconsinSheboygan Falls is a city in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, United States whose population was 6,772 at the 2000 census. It is included in the Sheboygan, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
- 1856 - Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Westfield, WisconsinWestfield, WisconsinWestfield is a village in Marquette County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,217 at the 2000 census. The village is located mostly within the Town of Westfield...
- 1856 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Oshkosh, WisconsinOshkosh, WisconsinAs of the census of 2000, there were 62,916 people, 24,082 households, and 13,654 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,662.2 people per square mile . There were 25,420 housing units at an average density of 1,075.6 per square mile...
- 1857 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Menasha, WisconsinMenasha, WisconsinMenasha is a city in Calumet and Winnebago Counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 16,331 at the 2000 census. The city is located mostly in the Town of Menasha in Winnebago County; only a small portion is in the Town of Harrison in Calumet County. Doty Island is located...
- 1858 - Saint Bartholomew Lutheran Church, Brillion, WisconsinBrillion, WisconsinBrillion is a city in Calumet County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 2,937 at the 2000 census. The city is located within the Town of Brillion, though it is politically independent.-Notable residents:...
- 1858 - St. John's Lutheran Church, West Bend, WisconsinWest Bend, WisconsinWest Bend is a city in and the county seat of Washington County, Wisconsin, United States in southeastern Wisconsin. The population was estimated to be 29,894 in 2008...
- 1858 - Saint Stephen Lutheran Church, Horicon, WisconsinHoricon, WisconsinHoricon is a city in Dodge County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 3,775 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Horicon is located at . The city of Horicon is located at the southernmost tip of the Horicon Marsh...
- 1858 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Potter, WisconsinPotter, WisconsinPotter is a village in Calumet County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 223 at the 2000 census.-History:Potter was established near a Native American village along the Manitowoc River. It was originally named Muskratville because of the large number of muskrats that lived in the...
- 1858 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Reeseville, WisconsinReeseville, WisconsinReeseville is a village in Dodge County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 703 at the 2000 census.-History:Reeseville was named after an early settler, Samuel Reese, by his son Adam Reese who surveyed and platted the area.-Geography:...
Largest congregations
- Membership totals are c. 2006.
- 3304 - St. John's Lutheran Church, West Bend, WisconsinWest Bend, WisconsinWest Bend is a city in and the county seat of Washington County, Wisconsin, United States in southeastern Wisconsin. The population was estimated to be 29,894 in 2008...
- 2901 - First Immanuel Lutheran Church, Cedarburg, WisconsinCedarburg, WisconsinCedarburg is a city in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, United States with Cedar Creek running through it. The city is bordered by the Village of Grafton to the east and the Town of Cedarburg elsewhere...
- 2838 - Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Grafton, WisconsinGrafton, WisconsinGrafton is a village in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 10,312 at the 2000 census. The village is adjacent to the Town of Grafton and the City of Cedarburg.-History:...
- 2604 - Divine Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hartland, WisconsinHartland, WisconsinHartland is a village in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, along the Bark River, and is a suburb of Milwaukee. The population was estimated at 8,689 in 2006.-Geography:Hartland is located at...
- 2373 - Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Janesville, WisconsinJanesville, WisconsinJanesville is a city in southern Wisconsin, United States. It is the county seat of Rock County and the principal municipality of the Janesville, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 62,998.-History:...
- 2339 - Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Sheboygan Falls, WisconsinSheboygan Falls, WisconsinSheboygan Falls is a city in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, United States whose population was 6,772 at the 2000 census. It is included in the Sheboygan, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
- 2301 - Grace Lutheran Church, Menomonee Falls, WisconsinMenomonee Falls, WisconsinMenomonee Falls is a village in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, United States, and is part of the Greater Milwaukee area. The population was 35,626 at the 2010 census, making it the most populous village in Wisconsin. It is the fourth largest community in Waukesha County...
- 2264 - Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Oconomowoc, WisconsinOconomowoc, WisconsinOconomowoc is a city in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, United States. The name was derived from Coo-no-mo-wauk, the Potawatomi term for "waterfall." The population was 12,382 at the 2000 census. The city is partially adjacent to the Town of Oconomowoc and near the Village of Oconomowoc...
- 2181 - Saint Paul's Lutheran Church, West Allis, WisconsinWest Allis, WisconsinWest Allis is a city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. It is part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area. The population was 61,254 at the 2000 census. Its name derives from Edward P. Allis, who started the Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company in the 19th century. The site of the town was...
- 2180 - Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wauwatosa, WisconsinWauwatosa, WisconsinWauwatosa is a city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States, and was incorporated on May 27, 1897. As of the 2006 census estimate, the city's population was 44,798. Wauwatosa is located immediately west of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is a part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area...
- 2157 - Saint John Lutheran Church, Plymouth, WisconsinPlymouth, WisconsinPlymouth is a city in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, along the Mullet River. The population was 7,781 at the 2000 census. It is included in the Sheboygan, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is located within the Town of Plymouth, but is politically independent...
- 1924 - Saint John Lutheran Church, Portage, WisconsinPortage, WisconsinPortage is a city in and the county seat of Columbia County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 10,662 at the 2010 census making it the largest city in Columbia County...
- 1868 - Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Washington Heights, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- 1779 - Hope Lutheran Church, Fond du Lac, WisconsinFond du Lac, WisconsinFond du Lac is a city in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, United States. The name is French for bottom of the lake, for it is located at the bottom of Lake Winnebago. The population was 42,203 at the 2000 census...
- 1732 - Elm Grove Lutheran Church, Elm Grove, WisconsinElm Grove, WisconsinElm Grove is a village in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 6,249 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Elm Grove is located at ....
- 1707 - Immanuel Lutheran Church, Brookfield, WisconsinBrookfield, WisconsinBrookfield is a city located in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, United States. It had a population of 37,920 in the 2010 census. Brookfield is the second largest city in Waukesha County, and the leading commercial suburb of Milwaukee. The City of Brookfield was formed in 1954 from the Town of...
- 1659 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Sheboygan, WisconsinSheboygan, Wisconsin-Airport:Sheboygan is served by the Sheboygan County Memorial Airport, which is located several miles from the city.-Roads:Interstate 43 is the primary north-south transportation route into Sheboygan, and forms the west boundary of the city. U.S...
- 1553 - Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Delavan, WisconsinDelavan, WisconsinDelavan is a city in Walworth County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 8,463 at the 2010 census. The city is located partially within the Town of Delavan.-Economy:Delavan is home to the Wisconsin School for the Deaf, and Andes Candies.-History:...
- 1531 - Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Sheboygan, WisconsinSheboygan, Wisconsin-Airport:Sheboygan is served by the Sheboygan County Memorial Airport, which is located several miles from the city.-Roads:Interstate 43 is the primary north-south transportation route into Sheboygan, and forms the west boundary of the city. U.S...
- 1437 - Brookfield Lutheran Church, Brookfield, WisconsinBrookfield, WisconsinBrookfield is a city located in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, United States. It had a population of 37,920 in the 2010 census. Brookfield is the second largest city in Waukesha County, and the leading commercial suburb of Milwaukee. The City of Brookfield was formed in 1954 from the Town of...
- 1426 - Saint Peter-Immanuel Lutheran Church, Menomonee River Hills, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- 1378 - Saint Peter Lutheran Church, Reedsburg, WisconsinReedsburg, WisconsinReedsburg is a city in Sauk County, Wisconsin, along the Baraboo River. The population was 10,014 at the 2010 census. The city is in the Town of Reedsburg, but is politically independent...
- 1368 - St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Sheboygan, WisconsinSheboygan, Wisconsin-Airport:Sheboygan is served by the Sheboygan County Memorial Airport, which is located several miles from the city.-Roads:Interstate 43 is the primary north-south transportation route into Sheboygan, and forms the west boundary of the city. U.S...
- 1326 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Mequon, WisconsinMequon, WisconsinMequon is a city in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. It had a population of 21,823 at the 2000 census, and an estimated population of 23,739 in July 2009...
- 1257 - Saint Stephen Lutheran Church, Horicon, WisconsinHoricon, WisconsinHoricon is a city in Dodge County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 3,775 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Horicon is located at . The city of Horicon is located at the southernmost tip of the Horicon Marsh...
- 1214 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Menasha, WisconsinMenasha, WisconsinMenasha is a city in Calumet and Winnebago Counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 16,331 at the 2000 census. The city is located mostly in the Town of Menasha in Winnebago County; only a small portion is in the Town of Harrison in Calumet County. Doty Island is located...
- 1199 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Racine, WisconsinRacine, WisconsinRacine is a city in and the county seat of Racine County, Wisconsin, United States. According to 2008 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the city had a population of 82,196...
- 1195 - Our Father Lutheran Church, Greenfield, WisconsinGreenfield, WisconsinGreenfield is a city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 35,476 at the 2000 census.-History:Greenfield was originally created as the Town of Kinnickinnic around 1839. On Feb. 19, 1841, the name of the town was changed to Greenfield, taking its name from the name of the...
- 1146 - Saint John Lutheran Church, Glendale, WisconsinGlendale, WisconsinGlendale is a city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 13,367 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Glendale is located at ....
- 1104 - Blessed Savior Lutheran Church, New Berlin, WisconsinNew Berlin, WisconsinNew Berlin is a city in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 38,220 at the 2000 census. New Berlin is the third largest community in Waukesha County after the cities of Waukesha and Brookfield....
- 1085 - Trinity Lutheran Church, Oshkosh, WisconsinOshkosh, WisconsinAs of the census of 2000, there were 62,916 people, 24,082 households, and 13,654 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,662.2 people per square mile . There were 25,420 housing units at an average density of 1,075.6 per square mile...
- 1062 - Saint John's Lutheran Church, Mayville, WisconsinMayville, WisconsinMayville is a city in Dodge County, Wisconsin, United States, located along the Rock River. The population was 4,902 at the 2000 census.Mayville is located at ....
- 1055 - Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Watertown, WisconsinWatertown, WisconsinWatertown is a city in Dodge and Jefferson counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Most of the city's population is in Jefferson County. Division Street, several blocks north of downtown, marks the county line. The population of Watertown was 21,598 at the 2000 census...
- 1049 - Redeemer Lutheran Church, Manitowoc, WisconsinManitowoc, WisconsinManitowoc is a city in and the county seat of Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, United States. The city is located on Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Manitowoc River. According to the 2000 census, Manitowoc had a population of 34,053, with over 50,000 residents in the surrounding communities...
- 1041 - Grace Lutheran Church, Oak Creek, WisconsinOak Creek, WisconsinOak Creek is a city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 28,456 at the 2000 census. In 2009, its population was estimated at 33,946.-History:...
- 1030 - Covenant Lutheran Church, Arlington Gardens, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- 1008 - Grace Lutheran Church, Omro, WisconsinOmro, WisconsinOmro is a city in Winnebago County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 3,177 at the 2000 census. The city is located along the Fox River, approximately 10 miles west of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.-1853 description:OMRO, P...
- 3304 - St. John's Lutheran Church, West Bend, Wisconsin