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The Property

 

                  THE REAL PROPERTY
It is necessary to mention the congregation's real property in discussing the places of worship and day school.  It was pointed out that the Mission Board of the Western Wisconsin District bought the lots and thus erected the chapel at the corner of East Mifflin and North Streets; it also helped pay for the construction of the school annex.  This property cost the Mission Board $17,888 and in April, 1930 the congregation entered into the indenture from this amount, agreeing to pay $10.00 per month until 30 per cent of the amount had been paid at which time the congregation could come into possession of the property upon execution of a mortgage.  The time was right. The large majority of the members were convinced that the location at East Mifflin and North Streets was not the best possible one.  The Church Council was instructed to look for a possible site.  On July 1, 1960, our congregation entered into a three year contract with Mr. & Mrs. Peter Lukken where we acquired a beautiful 8 acre site for the location of our present house of worship, parsonage and educational facilities.  The purchase price of this property was $24,120.  This was phase one of our building program.  Mr. William Dye of John J. Flad Associates was employed as our architect in late February, 1961. At the same time, Mr. Thornton Wilcox was engaged as counselor for our building fund campaign.  His employment proved to be a wise investment, for he was instrumental in setting a reasonable goal of $105,000 for the campaign and his gifts for organization and inspiration played a large part in making the campaign so successful that the goal was exceeded by almost $2,000.00.  By the summer of 1963, the architect's plans had been approved by the congregation.  Enough money had been put into the Building Fund to warrant putting out the call for bids on the construction.  When the bids were examined, it was found that Vogel Brothers Bldg. Co. had won the bid with the figure of $277,000.  Ground-breaking ceremonies were held on September 15, 1963.  The cornerstone of our new church was laid March 29, 1964, the day of dedication was June 21, 1964.  By the summer of 1965 the new parsonage was ready to be used and in the fall of that year the new school could open.  Truly the Lord gave us marvelous guidance in the regular progression of these steps.
 
In 1973, the house at 2602 Independence Lane was purchased as a house for the day school principal.  On June 10, 1992, it was sold to our principal and his wife, Roger and Judie Ehlke.  If the development in the properties of Eastside leave you somewhat breathless, let us pause at this point and reflect on the goodness of our God.  As the years went by, space became limited and more room was needed for both church and school activity.  In 1976, phase two of out building program began.  Plans for added rooms and an activity center were drawn.  The plans were then brought into more modest proportion than the original master plan.  In the proposed addition the same functional design would be carried out.  On October 16, 1977 the phase two building addition was dedicated.  May the review of God's grace in our history inspire us all with greater zeal towards expanded Kingdom work.
 
From this vantage point it would be wrong if we did not remember that while brick and steel, mortar and stone meet the eye in our house of worship and school, it is rather made up of sweat and toil, talents and dreams, sacrifices and denial of some earthly things, for in meeting the challenges set before the congregation, the Kingdom was given fIrst place in the hearts and lives of many members.

 
 
 

 

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Eastside Evangelical Lutheran Church and School
2310 Independence Lane Madison, WI 53704
Phone: 608-244-3045 info@eastsidelutheran.orglogin