Preserving the story of God’s grace to WELS
Preserving the story of God’s grace to WELS
“Like Plato’s shadows in the cave, some things can be seen only against the proper background,” Pastor James Schaefer reflected in the forward to the first issue of the WELS Historical Institute Journal in 1983. “The interest of the Journal is not simply the past for its own sake . . . but to contribute to understanding our WELS identity and background.”
The WELS Historical Institute Journal, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is just one part of the work of the WELS Historical Institute. Started in 1982, the Institute’s purpose is to preserve and present the story of God’s grace to WELS. “The WELS Historical Institute makes it their business to pass these stories on to future generations,” says Dr. Mark Braun, president of the institute.
One way to pass on these stories is through the Journal, designed to appeal to pastor, teacher, and layperson alike. It includes “heavily researched articles interspersed with personal reminiscences and translations of old letters and documents,” says Braun. “I am now finishing a long article on the career of Pastor John W.O. Brenner, synod president from 1933-53 at the time when the debate between the Wisconsin and Missouri Synods was heating up. I find it fascinating to hold in my hand the original documents from momentous times in the synod’s history.”
Another way to experience the past is to visit Salem Landmark Church in Milwaukee, which has been dedicated as the museum of the Wisconsin Synod (see pictures above). It contains artifacts such as furniture, clothing, books, and pictures that are donated by WELS members and congregations.
The WELS Historical Institute membership currently consists of 25 organizations (congregations, school libraries, etc.) and 336 individuals. Braun and these members hope to spur an interest in the past. “J.P. Koehler, who wrote the first history of the synod and taught church history, has been called the best Lutheran historian in America by Dr. Jaroslav Pelikan, who taught church history at Yale University,” Braun shares. While each seminary student completes a church history thesis, and some have gone extensively into primary sources in the archives, Braun encourages others, especially students, to get involved. “I would like to see more students from Wisconsin Lutheran College, the area universities, and even from the Lutheran high schools get more hands-on experience in primary-source research,” Braun says.
The WELS Historical Institute Journal, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is just one part of the work of the WELS Historical Institute. Started in 1982, the Institute’s purpose is to preserve and present the story of God’s grace to WELS. “The WELS Historical Institute makes it their business to pass these stories on to future generations,” says Dr. Mark Braun, president of the institute.
One way to pass on these stories is through the Journal, designed to appeal to pastor, teacher, and layperson alike. It includes “heavily researched articles interspersed with personal reminiscences and translations of old letters and documents,” says Braun. “I am now finishing a long article on the career of Pastor John W.O. Brenner, synod president from 1933-53 at the time when the debate between the Wisconsin and Missouri Synods was heating up. I find it fascinating to hold in my hand the original documents from momentous times in the synod’s history.”
Another way to experience the past is to visit Salem Landmark Church in Milwaukee, which has been dedicated as the museum of the Wisconsin Synod (see pictures above). It contains artifacts such as furniture, clothing, books, and pictures that are donated by WELS members and congregations.
The WELS Historical Institute membership currently consists of 25 organizations (congregations, school libraries, etc.) and 336 individuals. Braun and these members hope to spur an interest in the past. “J.P. Koehler, who wrote the first history of the synod and taught church history, has been called the best Lutheran historian in America by Dr. Jaroslav Pelikan, who taught church history at Yale University,” Braun shares. While each seminary student completes a church history thesis, and some have gone extensively into primary sources in the archives, Braun encourages others, especially students, to get involved. “I would like to see more students from Wisconsin Lutheran College, the area universities, and even from the Lutheran high schools get more hands-on experience in primary-source research,” Braun says.
Tags:
