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 2, Fall 2024 of the WELS Historical Institute Journal.
Pastor Emeritus Allen K. Schroeder returns in this issue with a biographical article, Rev. David Friedrich Johannes Beer. As the title describes, Beer was the Last Director of Michigan Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saginaw, Michigan. Using Beer’s own words, Pastor Schroeder suggests that “Gottes Wort und Luthers Lehr” would be an appropriate summary of this man’s ministry. His early life and education, as well as his pastorates and positions are outlined. Recognized as a gifted man, Beer also displayed characteristics and a ministry approach that often brought him into conflict with others. Although colloquized by the Wisconsin Synod three times, Beer never became a member of the Synod. It is likely that Beer is not a familiar name to the readers of the journal. This article may help to change that.
Benjamin Phelps, pastor at St. Matthews, Marathon, WI, and host of the Lutheran History Podcast, contributes to this issue with a translation of a Wisconsin Synod history written by Dr. August Ernst, president of Northwestern College from 1871-1919. With the approach of the 175th anniversary of the synod, this translation of Ernst’s brief synod history will be a nice addition to the other offerings that are being prepared for the celebration.
Pastor James Langebartels is retired, but he continues to serve the church at St. Jacobi, Greenfield, WI. In addition, he continues to make valuable use of his German language skills as a translator of books, articles, letters, and other documents of value for the history of our church. This issue of the journal lists some of his published translations and how to acquire them. His fresh and organized re-translation of Koehler’s history of the synod and synod convention proceedings are of special interest.
Pastor Beer left.
Preview the Table of Contents
- “Rev. David Friedrich Johannes Beer, The Last Director of Michigan Lutheran Theological Seminary Saginaw, Michigan, by Allen K. Schroeder
- “The Wisconsin Synod,” by August Ernst, Translated by Benjamin T. Phelps
- “J.G. Oehlert,” by Leon Raether
- “Book Notices” by James Langebartels
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
NEW! Christ Through Us
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.