Emmaus Lutheran Church (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) Records

In 1890, six lots were purchased through mutual interest of six congregations: Zion, Cross, Immanuel, Holy Ghost, Trinity, and Bethlehem. A two-story church-school unit was dedicated on August 17, 1890. The congregation was organized on October 5, 1890 with 19 families from Zion, Cross, and Immanuel. Rev. J. F. Rubel accepted the call as the first pastor in 1891. The Constitution was adopted, membership in the LCMS was established, and incorporation occurred in November 1891 as well. Full financial responsibility was assumed by the Emmaus congregation in 1892. A parsonage was built south of the school, the cornerstone for the first church building was laid in May 1892, and the church building was completed and dedicated in November 1892. The school building was extended to three classrooms in 1894. Church bells were received as a gift from a group of members and dedicated in 1898, and the church interior was decorated in 1899. A fourth classroom was added in 1902, and the parsonage was enlarged and remodeled in 1906. In 1909, six families were released to organize Concordia Church, a mission that was started in 1908. The church building was destroyed by fire in March 1911. The new church building was dedicated on January 7, 1912, and a new organ was installed. The 25th anniversary of the congregation was held on October 10, 1915. In 1916, the school building was remodeled and enlarged, and a fifth classroom was added. The school was accredited in 1917. A consolidated school program was organized with Concordia in 1918. The parsonage was sold and moved off the property in 1922. A sixth classroom was added to the school in 1923. The second parsonage was purchased in 1928. The Sunday School was organized in 1931. Two lots were purchased north of the school for a Parish Hall in 1936. Kindergarten was introduced in the school and another classroom was added in 1937. The new Parish Hall was dedicated on September 11, 1938. The 50th Anniversary of Emmaus was observed in 1940. The congregation was affected by World War 2. 208 men and 6 women served their country in active service, and 6 gave their lives. A group of members also encouraged the organization of a new mission. A second English service was introduced in 1943. Nine families were released to establish Christ Memorial in 1944. A teacherage was purchased in 1948. The renovated church building with complete basement facilities was rededicated on October 15, 1950. The vicar program began in 1951. In 1955, congregation decided to replace vicar with a third full-time pastor, and a third parsonage was purchased. The congregation shared in campaign for building the new Lutheran High School in 1956. The congregation also shared in the organization of the Northwest Lutheran School Association (with Covenant and Beautiful Savior). The school was enlarged and renovated in 1961. New facilities were dedicated on October 22, 1961. In 1965, the congregation decided to observe the 75th Anniversary with special services of thanksgiving and an Anniversary Offering to be used for the purchase of a new organ console, redecorating of church interior, and payment on remaining indebtedness. The 100th Anniversary was celebrated in 1990. Emmaus Lutheran Church closed in 2018.