New pictorial book will highlight synod history

As WELS prepares to celebrate the 175th anniversary of its founding in 2025 under the theme “Christ through us,” Northwestern Publishing House is producing a special book entitled, Christ Through Us: A Pictorial History of the Wisconsin Synod, 1850-2025. In seven chapters, the synod’s history will be told in a fresh and engaging way with over 600 images and numerous short vignettes about important people, places, and events in the history of the Wisconsin Synod.

“The past has shaped who we are,” says Rev. Joel Otto, chairman of the WELS 175 Committee and coauthor of the book. “Learning about God’s work through us and among us leads us to appreciate his grace. And it helps us see where we also fit into his answers to the prayers of his people for new generations of faithful witnesses.”

A special preorder sale for this pictorial history is going on through the end of September. Place your order today to guarantee delivery of this unique volume and receive a 20 percent discount. Find sample pages and ordering information at online.nph.net/175annivbook. Order deadline is Sept. 30, 2024.

This book is just one way that WELS is planning to commemorate its founding. Numerous other resources are being produced to help congregations and individuals celebrate this anniversary and learn more about WELS history, including:

• documentary-styled videos to accompany the pictorial history;
• an update of The Wisconsin Synod Lutherans, a book recording the history of the Wisconsin Synod;
• an online interactive timeline of the synod’s history;
• worship resources for anniversary services; and
• multiple articles in synod publications like Forward in Christ, Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly, and the WELS Historical Institute Journal.

Learn more about WELS’ 175^th anniversary at welshistoricalinstitute.org.