Publications
The WELS Historical Institute Journal and other note worthy publications
The Journal
A historical record about WELS
The WELS Historical Institute Journal is published twice a year and is a collection of well written and researched articles about WELS history for historians, congregations and general readers. The Journal exudes historical perspectives and traditions that trigger conversations about the past and today.
Current Issue
Volume 42, Number 1, of the WELS Historical Institute Journal should now be in the hands of all the members and friends of the Institute. This Spring 2024 issue includes four new articles, as well as the editor’s popular Looking Back feature.
Pastor Peter Prange, a member of the Historical Institute board, leads off with A Missionary’s Farewell Sermon. That missionary was early Wisconsin Synod pastor and Prange ancestor, Christian Philipp Koehler. Using Koehler’s own words, the author highlights the early life of the man who would eventually play a key role in the early history of the synod. On September 24, 1854, just before he left for the new world, Koehler preached a farewell sermon based on Hebrews 13:13-15, “we do not have a permanent city here.”
Pastor Justin Dauck, another member of the board, offers “A Look at the beginning of WELS Mission Work in Western Canada.” The author points out that the work of the Wisconsin Synod in Canada was late in coming and it was “a slow process” that brought blessings and challenges. WELS-Canada has come a long way during the years and is working to “become an independent Lutheran church body by becoming a mission district of the WELS.”
Pastor Eric Hartzel continues the missionary theme of this issue with his April 13, 2019, presentation on the occasion of the 125th Anniversary of mission work in Apacheland. In Guenter, Jens, and J.P. Koehler, his years of experience in the field and deep love for the Apache people is clearly evident. The Hartzell article is followed up with “A Blessed Memory from Apacheland” by Robert Meier, son of Principal Arthur Meier, and Secretary Doris Meier of East Fork Lutheran School. The author was a student at the school.
Read and Enjoy.
Christian Philipp Koehler left.
Preview the Table of Contents
- “We do not have a permanent city here: A Missionary’s Farewell Sermon,” by Peter M. Prange
- “A Look at the Beginning of WELS Mission Work in Western Canada,” by Justin L. Dauck
- “Guenther, Jens, and J.P. Koehler,” by Eric S. Hartzell
- “A Blessed Memory from Apacheland,” by Robert Meier
- “Looking Back,” by John M. Brenner
About the Journal
Started in 1981, the purpose of the WELS Historical Institute is to preserve and present the story of God’s grace to the WELS.
Together with the WELS Archives, the Historical Institute works to preserve articles and artifacts of historical value. The Institute also promotes historical research and education through its Journal, published twice a year.
More about the Journal
The purpose of the Journal is to provide a vehicle for articles of historical interest about the Lutheran Church with special reference to the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. It is also hoped that the Journal will stimulate WELS members to pursue research in Lutheran history.
The interest of the Journal is not simply the past for its own sake. In authorizing the publication of the Journal, the Institute’s Board of Directors stated as one of the Journals purposes to “contribute to understanding our WELS identity and background.” Like Plato’s shadows in the cave, some things can be seen only against the proper background.
Volume 1 Issue 1 – 1983 – Foreword – Editor of the Journal – James P. Schaefer
The current editor of the Journal is Prof. John Brenner of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. Inquiries can be directed to him at [email protected].
Membership Benefits
WELS Historical Institute believes it’s critically important to preserve and educate on the history of the WELS Synod. Your membership in the WELS Historical Institute will help continue this mission.
Get the Journal
As a members of WELS Historical Institute, you’ll receive:
- Two issues of WELS Historical Institute Journal each year
- Two Institute newsletters each year
Yes, I want to become a member now!
Back Issues
All past issues of the Journal, up through Volume 36 (2018) can be downloaded below. All files are PDF (Adobe Acrobat) format. Note that all of these journal files were re-scanned and converted to PDF files in early 2012-2014, greatly improving the quality of what had formerly been available.
Questions that we are frequently asked
What kind of articles are published in the Journal?
The Journal welcomes articles and essays about the history of WELS….
Who are the Journal authors?
The Journal authors consist of ….
How may I submit an article for consideration to the Journal?
To submit an article for Journal consideration….
What should a potential author consider when submitting an article?
Potential authors should consider sound evidence and reference facts…
How long does it take to approve or reject a submission?
Once your submission has been received, the process…
Select a book cover
Books about WELS history
There are a few books about the history of WELS. These three books give insight and perspective on moments in time of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
Spotlight on:
The Wisconsin Synod Lutherans
This book provides a clear understanding of the forces that have shaped the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). —Northwestern Publishing House
Disclaimer
In an effort to provide the most relevant and useful content, we may provide links to non-WELS resources. WELS is not responsible for the content on external websites. WELS is not officially endorsing these websites, nor does WELS endorse all content on these sites.
Originals
In 1865, the Wisconsin Synod convention commissioned the establishment of a synodical journal that would help promote the synod’s new college, Northwestern University, in Watertown, Wis. It would also provide news about other synodical endeavors and serve as an outlet for theological articles and responses to outside criticism, especially from conservative Lutherans in the American Midwest. The issues through 1911 have been scanned and are available through the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Essay File.