The 1960's: A Decade of Growth and Change for Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, Thiensville, WI

Abstract

Brent S. Brutlag’s church history paper chronicles the transformative decade of the 1960s at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Thiensville, Wisconsin. Drawing from congregational meeting minutes, Brutlag highlights significant growth in budget, membership, and facilities. Calvary’s operating budget rose from $21,197 in 1962 to $35,826 in 1970, with mission pledges to the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod increasing proportionally. Membership expanded from 382 souls in 1964 to 568 by 1969. The congregation built a new school and all-purpose room, purchased additional property, and navigated frequent staff changes, including multiple pastoral and principal transitions. Brutlag attributes this growth to God’s providence and the congregation’s commitment to Christian education and mission work. The paper offers a detailed, data-driven account of Calvary’s development, reflecting broader trends in post-war Lutheran expansion and institutional strengthening. —Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)