Advent Hymn Commemorating 100 Years

Going back in history to Cedarburg in 1903, all of the Lutheran churches conducted services in German. The Reverend A.C. Anda, Western Field Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church canvassed the territory and found a strong need for an English speaking Lutheran Church in Cedarburg. An organizational meeting was held in the High School (now City Hall), and driven by a desire to teach their children in the English language, the Advent seed was planted.

A Sunday school of forty pupils preceded formation of the mission church. These classes and worship services were held in Immanuel School. A millinery store on Washington Avenue was rented and chairs, benches, an old pump organ and a dry goods box altar were used in worship. Worship began there on the first Sunday in Advent in 1903; our members chose the name of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Advent. The church was formally organized on Ascension Sunday, May 22, 1904. The first full time minister was a student of the Chicago Theological Seminary, C.A. Denning.

Advent grew rapidly, cramping the storefront church. Mr. G. A. Boerner donated the land at the present site in 1908. Church leaders and members raised money, drew plans and laid the corner stone on October 10, 1909. The congregation joyfully entered their new building on March 13, 1910, and dedicated it to the triune God.

From it’s roots in 1903, when the members wanted English worship for their children, to the present, Advent Lutheran Church has offered and expected much of it’s youth!