A Concise History of St. John's Lutheran Church, East Mequon, Wisconsin

Abstract

Mark Braun’s 1978 essay presents a concise history of St. John’s Lutheran Church in East Mequon, Wisconsin. Tracing its origins to the 1839 immigration of confessional Lutherans led by Pastor Grabau, the essay outlines the congregation’s development from a log church served by itinerant preachers to a self-supporting parish with a resident pastor. Braun highlights key figures, pastoral transitions, and building projects, including the collapse and reconstruction of the stone church in 1925–26. The congregation’s affiliation with the Wisconsin Synod in 1932 is attributed to practical considerations rather than doctrinal differences, reflecting the close theological alignment between Missouri and Wisconsin at the time. The essay concludes with reflections on the congregation’s evolving mission, noting the shift from rural ministry to suburban outreach amid demographic changes in the East Mequon area. Braun calls for renewed zeal in sharing the Gospel with new residents, echoing the dedication of the church’s founders. —Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)