175 Years of Change in WELS Worship

This presentation will examine church architecture and the use of hymnals in Wisconsin Synod Congregations throughout the 175 years since it’s founding, noting the shift toward a more confessional Lutheran understanding of worship in WELS.

Prof. Joel Otto chairs the WELS 175th Anniversary Committee (2025). Since 2011 he has served at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, where he teaches church history and education and is the dean of students. Download the presentation (PDF)