The Founding

During the early 1920's, there was a very rapid expansion of Madison's east side.  It was expected that individuals and families living in the Madison area, whom either had belonged or still belonged to an Evangelical Lutheran congregation of the Wisconsin Synod or of the non-existing Synodical Conference, would be involved.  It is reported that a Wisconsin Synod congregation was begun in Madison late in the 19th century, but it is not possible to find any facts about its location or its existence.

By 1925 the expansion of Madison's east side had reached a point where the Rev. Theo Thurow canvassed the area with a view toward founding a mission.  At that time Rev. Thurow was pastor of the Wisconsin Synod congregation in Sun Prairie (Peace).  The results must have been encouraging, for in October, 1925, an organizational meeting was held at the home of Mr. Charles Strohbusch at 2644 East Dayton St., here in Madison. Those who were present were:

• 1. Rev. Theo Thurow (Sun Prairie)                                
• 2. Mr. Lorenz Hackbart - Secretary pro tem                                
• 3. Rev. Schoeninger (Leeds) - Chairman pro tern                              
• 4. Rev gotthold Thurow (Waterloo)
• 5. Mr. Michael Layman
• 6. Mr Adolph Rohde
• 7. Mr. Herbert Seekamp
• 8. Mr. Charles Strohbusch
• 9. Mr. H.O. Wernick

The Rev. Theo Thurow presented the results of his canvass and we can let the following excerpts from the minutes of that first meeting tell the story.  "Moved by Hackbart, seconded by Rohde, that this congregation apply for membership in the West Wisconsin District of the Joint Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Wisconsin and other states.  Motion carried without a dissenting vote. These actions on the part of our founding fathers meant that our congregation had committed itself to adhere to certain Articles of Faith which are set forth in Article II of the constitution. This Article is here quoted in full to refresh our memories about what it is to which we are committed.