It is interesting how often the Bible speaks of “generations.” For example, the church sings in Psalm 145, “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4). Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20,21). The idea of God’s saving work and his rule over all things extending from generation to generation and the encouragement to proclaim his works to the next generation are found throughout the Scriptures. 

Perhaps this is why churches usually celebrate anniversaries in quarter-century increments. Twenty-five years approximates a generation. During this calendar year of 2025, WELS is celebrating its 175th anniversary. This is the first synod anniversary of the new millennium. It is an opportunity for a new generation (and older generations) to review with gratitude the blessings the Lord has showered upon our church body since its founding in 1850. 

To help congregations focus on the anniversary by educating members on the synod’s history, two resources are now available. Monthly bulletin inserts highlighting key events in synod history are being produced. The first two months are available as PDFs in full-color, black-and-white, or text only on the WELS Historical Institute website. Please consider using these in your congregation. 

In addition, an interactive timeline has been put together and is also on the website. The timeline contains short descriptions and photos with links to videos and articles that allow people to dig deeper into various topics. This timeline might especially be useful for teaching a class to confirmation students or adults on the history of WELS. 

Special anniversary events are also being planned. Two coming up this spring involve the choirs of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and Martin Luther College. The joint concerts will include sets sung by each choir and then a third set sung by the combined choirs. These joint concerts take place on March 20 at 7 p.m. (Central) at St. John’s on the Hillside, Milwaukee, Wis., and on March 29 at 7 p.m. (Central) at the Martin Luther College Chapel of the Christ, New Ulm, Minn. The New Ulm concert will be livestreamed.  

More information on anniversary events and additional resources are posted at welshistoricalinstitute.org/175th. 

It is my prayer that this anniversary will spark interest and appreciation for the blessings God has showered on WELS for 175 years. By his grace, he has raised up leaders among us who have been concerned about defending the pure gospel, preparing workers who serve the church, and proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ saving work throughout America and the world. By his grace, the message of Christ has come to us and gone out through us. 

By Prof. Joel Otto, chairman of the 175th anniversary committee and dean of students at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis.

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.