On Aug. 10, the WELS Historical Institute is hosting a 150th anniversary celebration of the Landmark Church, which was first used as a church building for Salem, Milwaukee, Wis., and then as a museum for the synod beginning in 1985. Also, the log cabin church that was on this site before the Landmark Church was built was the place where a small group of pastors met in 1850 to adopt the synod’s first constitution. The state of Wisconsin is recognizing the establishment of the Wisconsin synod on this site with a state historical marker during the Aug. 10 celebration.

As Dan Nommensen, vice president of the WELS Historical Institute, notes, “This is an opportunity for all to celebrate the story of God’s grace to the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.”

The sesquicentennial celebration is free and includes a celebration worship service, dedication of the state historical marker, opening of the Landmark Church’s cornerstone, mini concerts by the 1st Brigade Band, and tours of the museum and nearby cemetery. The festivities begin at 9 a.m. at Salem Landmark Church in Milwaukee and continue throughout the day.

Nommensen says, “In our busy schedules, it’s sometimes hard to find time to recognize and celebrate our past. However, just look at how the Lord has blessed our synod since we first organized in 1850! Think of all the stories and all the history we have from each corner of the synod that now stand as a testimony to the grace of God. Come be a part of that on Aug. 10.”

For more information about the Aug. 10 event or the WELS Historical Institute, visit www.welshistory.org.