During 2025, WELS has commemorated the 175th anniversary of its founding, 175 years of God’s work among us and through us. Resources have been produced and presentations given. This year of celebration has come to an end but the history continues. Each year is another year added to the annals of what God is accomplishing in his grace through WELS.
So our focus on what he has done for us—and continues to do for us—does not have to end. You can still make use of the anniversary resources during 2026 and beyond.
Resources include the following:
- Christ Through Us: A Pictorial History of the Wisconsin Synod, 1850-2025, on sale from Northwestern Publishing House
- The Wisconsin Synod Lutherans, Second Edition, the updated telling of the synod’s history, on sale from Northwestern Publishing House
- A Bible study on WELS history that coordinates with Christ Through Us: A Pictorial History of the Wisconsin Synod, 1850–2025. Each lesson closely correlates with a chapter from the book and comes with leader guides, student handouts, and PowerPoint presentations.
- An interactive timeline for individuals and teachers
- Twelve bulletin inserts on major events in WELS history
- Videos about WELS history on the WELS History YouTube channel. Consider subscribing to stay updated when videos are added. Various other presentations are available on the WELS Historical Institute website.
- Anniversary swag (clothing, mug, commemorative Christmas ornament, etc.) at the WELS Store
- Worship resources through The Foundation for a special three-Sunday series
- Resources to assist congregations in preserving and telling their history
We are thankful that God’s people have given more than $325,000 for the WELS 175th anniversary offering. This opportunity to contribute continues. Join WELS in this special anniversary offering to give thanks to our Lord for the blessings of our history and to support future gospel ministry work.
Perhaps this anniversary year has sparked an interest in WELS history. Please consider becoming a member of the WELS Historical Institute.
Many thanks to the planning committee members and others who organized and produced the resources that have been made available.
May God continue to shower his grace on WELS as the message of Christ for us comes to us and goes out through us to others.
Prof. Joel D. Otto
Chairman, WELS 175th Anniversary Planning Committee
