Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
Encyclopedia
Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary is located in Mequon
, Wisconsin
and trains pastors for the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
(WELS).
The campus consists of twenty two buildings, including a library with over 58,000 volumes, including a collection of rare pre-18th century theological books.
were the mission societies in Germany
. As the Wisconsin Synod
moved to a more conservative and confessional
theological stance, the theological character of clergy from the German mission societies came into question. Furthermore, it became more and more difficult to provide pastors in adequate numbers. To alleviate these problems the Wisconsin Synod
formed the Theological School of the Wisconsin Synod in Watertown, Wisconsin
. The first students met in the professor's home. In 1864 the Wisconsin Synod
in convention resolved to provide a permanent building for the seminary. 5 acres (20,234.3 m²) of Watertown
land were purchased for $600.00. Ground was broken on July 22, 1864, on what is now the campus of Luther Preparatory School
. The building was dedicated on September 14, 1865. The third floor of the building was used for the seminary classes, and the first two levels were used for the synod's college, Northwestern College
.
's Concordia Seminary
in 1870. As part of the merger, it was agreed that Missouri should actively participate in Northwestern College by providing a professor for the school, and assisting the school with financial support. Wisconsin was to send students to St. Louis, provide a professor and contribute financial support for Concordia. Each synod was to retain management of its own institution. Six Wisconsin Synod students began study in St. Louis in March, 1870.
. Wisconsin reopened the seminary to help prevent the assimilation of their entire synod into Missouri. Wisconsin Synod leaders stressed that doctrinal fellowship was possible with Missouri without organizational unity. Since the seminary was no longer able to share a building with Northwestern College, the seminary used other facilities in Watertown.
with 31 students. The facility was a two story building with a full basement and a large attic. The first floor held two classrooms, a chapel, and a faculty lounge, as well as several study rooms, and a restroom in each of the two wings. The second floor mirrored the layout of the first floor. There was however a large hall in the center of the second floor, a space which the library would later occupy. The basement featured a kitchen and dining area, a washroom, and a recreation room. Years later, the attic was finished and outfitted for additional student quarters.
The synod purchased an 80 acres (323,748.8 m²) farm in present-day Mequon, Wisconsin
, near the village of Thiensville, WI for $25,000. Seminary professor John Philip Koehler was given charge of the general design, incorporating the style and features of the Wartburg Castle
in Eisenach
, Germany
.
Ground was broken for construction in 1928, and the cornerstone was laid that same year. The process of moving to the new campus began in the summer of 1929 and the first classes were held in the autumn semester of 1929.
in Eisenach, Germany. Such features include stone walls and slate roofs. The overall layout of the dormitory and academic center is a ring, creating a courtyard in the center of the main complex. "Fachwerk," timber-framed brick walls are also common on the campus.
The campus features these main buildings and areas:
congregations. The committee proposed a chapel renovation.
The renovation, funded primarily by special gifts, began in 2004 and took a full year to complete. Construction was completed in May, 2005. A dedication service was not held, however, until the beginning of the following academic year, on August 29, 2005.
The new chapel design features large, clear windows to allow natural light to pour into the room. The windows are etched with symbols representing the four theological disciplines. The ceiling is now opened up to the tall gable roof. Dark stone tile floors contrast with the white paint on the walls and ceiling. Other features of the chapel include:
The entire library catalog is hosted online and is accessible through the World Wide Web.
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...
, 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...
and trains pastors for the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod is a North American Confessional Lutheran denomination of Christianity. Characterized as theologically conservative, it was founded in 1850 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As of 2008, it had a baptized membership of over 389,364 in more than 1,290 congregations,...
(WELS).
The campus consists of twenty two buildings, including a library with over 58,000 volumes, including a collection of rare pre-18th century theological books.
History
Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary has been located in several different places throughout its history.Origins in Watertown
The origins of the school date to 1863, when the main sources of clergy in the Wisconsin SynodWisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod is a North American Confessional Lutheran denomination of Christianity. Characterized as theologically conservative, it was founded in 1850 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As of 2008, it had a baptized membership of over 389,364 in more than 1,290 congregations,...
were the mission societies in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. As the Wisconsin Synod
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod is a North American Confessional Lutheran denomination of Christianity. Characterized as theologically conservative, it was founded in 1850 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As of 2008, it had a baptized membership of over 389,364 in more than 1,290 congregations,...
moved to a more conservative and confessional
Confessionalism (religion)
Confessionalism, in a religious sense, is a belief in the importance of full and unambiguous assent to the whole of a religious teaching...
theological stance, the theological character of clergy from the German mission societies came into question. Furthermore, it became more and more difficult to provide pastors in adequate numbers. To alleviate these problems the Wisconsin Synod
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod is a North American Confessional Lutheran denomination of Christianity. Characterized as theologically conservative, it was founded in 1850 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As of 2008, it had a baptized membership of over 389,364 in more than 1,290 congregations,...
formed the Theological School of the Wisconsin Synod in Watertown, Wisconsin
Watertown, Wisconsin
Watertown 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...
. The first students met in the professor's home. In 1864 the Wisconsin Synod
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod is a North American Confessional Lutheran denomination of Christianity. Characterized as theologically conservative, it was founded in 1850 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As of 2008, it had a baptized membership of over 389,364 in more than 1,290 congregations,...
in convention resolved to provide a permanent building for the seminary. 5 acres (20,234.3 m²) of Watertown
Watertown, Wisconsin
Watertown 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...
land were purchased for $600.00. Ground was broken on July 22, 1864, on what is now the campus of Luther Preparatory School
Luther Preparatory School
Luther Preparatory School , established in 1995, is a residential four-year secondary school located in Watertown, Wisconsin, USA and is owned and operated by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod...
. The building was dedicated on September 14, 1865. The third floor of the building was used for the seminary classes, and the first two levels were used for the synod's college, Northwestern College
Martin Luther College
This article deals with the WELS-affiliated tertiary institution in Minnesota. See Luther College for the ELCA institution in Iowa.Martin Luther College is the college of ministry operated by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod...
.
Merger with Concordia Seminary
Due mainly to small enrollments and an increasing desire to enter into fellowship with the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, the school merged with Lutheran Church - Missouri SynodLutheran 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...
's Concordia Seminary
Concordia Seminary
Concordia Seminary is located in Clayton, Missouri, an inner-ring suburb on the western border of St. Louis, Missouri. The institution's primary mission is to train pastors, deaconesses, missionaries, chaplains, and church leaders for the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod . The current president of...
in 1870. As part of the merger, it was agreed that Missouri should actively participate in Northwestern College by providing a professor for the school, and assisting the school with financial support. Wisconsin was to send students to St. Louis, provide a professor and contribute financial support for Concordia. Each synod was to retain management of its own institution. Six Wisconsin Synod students began study in St. Louis in March, 1870.
Wisconsin Reopens the Seminary
In 1878, the WELS reopened a seminary of their own in Milwaukee, WisconsinMilwaukee, 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...
. Wisconsin reopened the seminary to help prevent the assimilation of their entire synod into Missouri. Wisconsin Synod leaders stressed that doctrinal fellowship was possible with Missouri without organizational unity. Since the seminary was no longer able to share a building with Northwestern College, the seminary used other facilities in Watertown.
The Move to Wauwatosa
Soon the increasing number of seminarians outgrew the Watertown facility. Therefore a new seminary campus was opened in 1893 in Wauwatosa, WisconsinWauwatosa, Wisconsin
Wauwatosa 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...
with 31 students. The facility was a two story building with a full basement and a large attic. The first floor held two classrooms, a chapel, and a faculty lounge, as well as several study rooms, and a restroom in each of the two wings. The second floor mirrored the layout of the first floor. There was however a large hall in the center of the second floor, a space which the library would later occupy. The basement featured a kitchen and dining area, a washroom, and a recreation room. Years later, the attic was finished and outfitted for additional student quarters.
A Permanent Campus in Mequon
The overall enrollment figures of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary continued to increase. Synod and seminary administrators realized that a bigger facility would become necessary in the coming years. The administration sought to complete a facility that would not only serve the current needs of the seminary, but also have the room to grow and expand accordingly. In short, a permanent campus was sought.The synod purchased an 80 acres (323,748.8 m²) farm in present-day Mequon, 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...
, near the village of Thiensville, WI for $25,000. Seminary professor John Philip Koehler was given charge of the general design, incorporating the style and features of the Wartburg Castle
Wartburg Castle
The Wartburg is a castle situated on a 1230-foot precipice to the southwest of, and overlooking the town of Eisenach, in the state of Thuringia, Germany...
in Eisenach
Eisenach
Eisenach is a city in Thuringia, Germany. It is situated between the northern foothills of the Thuringian Forest and the Hainich National Park. Its population in 2006 was 43,626.-History:...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
.
Ground was broken for construction in 1928, and the cornerstone was laid that same year. The process of moving to the new campus began in the summer of 1929 and the first classes were held in the autumn semester of 1929.
Campus
The Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary campus is situated on an 80 acres (323,748.8 m²) plot of land in Mequon, Wisconsin. Characterized by large trees, expansive grassy fields, woods, a stream, and a small holding pond, the meticulously maintained campus resembles a park.Architectural Features
The overall design of the Seminary campus mimics the architectural style of the Wartburg CastleWartburg Castle
The Wartburg is a castle situated on a 1230-foot precipice to the southwest of, and overlooking the town of Eisenach, in the state of Thuringia, Germany...
in Eisenach, Germany. Such features include stone walls and slate roofs. The overall layout of the dormitory and academic center is a ring, creating a courtyard in the center of the main complex. "Fachwerk," timber-framed brick walls are also common on the campus.
Buildings
The impressive seminary tower that acts as a gateway to a central courtyard, divides the main building into two areas: the residence hall and dining hall life to the west and administration-classroom building, chapel, and library to the east. The residence hall, consisting of eight units, can accommodate about 80 students. The dining hall seats approximately 150. Between 1997 and 2002 the residence hall was expanded to provide more room for each student. The classrooms were simultaneously remodeled to provide current technology. An auditorium-gymnasium, built in 1986, seats 1200.The campus features these main buildings and areas:
- Administration-Classroom
- Chapel
- Library
- Residence and Dining Hall
- Gymnasium
Chapel
Included in the 1929 building project was a chapel for campus worship. The original chapel was quite plain and did not feature any pews, musical instruments, art glass windows, or even a pulpit and altar. It was not until the 1930s that the chancel was decorated with the help of a local craftsman. For decades the chapel featured a small wooden altar, a pulpit, a lectern, wooden pews, tile floors, a Wick's organ, and three art glass windows behind the altar. Unfortunately, the low ceiling and small amount of natural light detracted greatly from the atmosphere.Renovation
In 2002 the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary facilities committee presented a study on the existing chapel. Not only did the committee notice the surface deficiencies of the chapel, they also pointed out that the existing chapel architecture did not promote by example the type of liturgical worship practices currently taught at the seminary and commonly in practice among WELSWisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod is a North American Confessional Lutheran denomination of Christianity. Characterized as theologically conservative, it was founded in 1850 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As of 2008, it had a baptized membership of over 389,364 in more than 1,290 congregations,...
congregations. The committee proposed a chapel renovation.
The renovation, funded primarily by special gifts, began in 2004 and took a full year to complete. Construction was completed in May, 2005. A dedication service was not held, however, until the beginning of the following academic year, on August 29, 2005.
The new chapel design features large, clear windows to allow natural light to pour into the room. The windows are etched with symbols representing the four theological disciplines. The ceiling is now opened up to the tall gable roof. Dark stone tile floors contrast with the white paint on the walls and ceiling. Other features of the chapel include:
- Ambo - The ambo replaces pulpit and lectern as one central location for the reading of Scripture.
- Paschal candle - The Paschal Candle reminds worshippers of Christ the lamb who was sacrificed for sin.
- Font - The baptismal font reminds worshippers of their own baptisms. The design allows for a constant flow of water which adds a gentle sound to the chapel.
- Freestanding altar - The altar and chairs are all freestanding and can be moved as needed. In practice, however, the chapel layout has remained the same since its dedication.
Library
The Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary library houses over 58,000 books, almost all of which are on the subject of theology and the Bible. In addition to the main stacks, the library subscribes to over 300 periodicals and journals from around the world. Most are theological journals and magazines. The library is home to more than 2000 rare books, some of them from as early as 1500. Several examples are on display on the main level on the library. Other features of the library include a World Mission Collection with mission materials printed in over 30 different languages. The library also maintains a vertical file of over 3000 essays written by Wisconsin Synod pastors and professors, many of which can be accessed on the library's essay file website.The entire library catalog is hosted online and is accessible through the World Wide Web.
Sources
- Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary 1863-1963, by Immanuel P. Frey.
- The History of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary from 1863-1903, by Dr. Adolf Hoenecke