Mequon in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Oldest Lutheran Church in Wisconsin

Photographed by Paul F, May 28, 2010

1. Oldest Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Marker

Inscription. In early October 1839, approximately 20 families settled near this site to found the colony of Freistadt. Prompted by religious persecution in the homeland, the group sought and found religious haven in Wisconsin. The first log cabin was located southwest of the present church. The congregation immediately purchased 40 acres of land and in the spring of 1840 built the first Lutheran church in the state. The log building , 30 by 20 feet, was also used for school purposes. The first pastor of the congregation was L.F.E. Krause (1841-1847). The Lutheran Buffalo Synod was organized here in June 1845. Since 1848 the congregation has been a member of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.

Erected 1958 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 85.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1845.

Location. 43° 14.07′ N, 88° 2.615′ W. Marker is in Mequon, Wisconsin, in Ozaukee County. It is on Granville

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Road ¼ mile south of Freistadt Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mequon WI 53097, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin and in Greater Milwaukee.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Baeseman Log Cabin (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Radue Chicken Coop (about 800 feet away); Cemetery Outhouse (about 800 feet away); Vogt Woodshed/Radue Gas Engine (about 800 feet away); Gierach Smokehouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); Klumb-Beuscher Bake Oven (approx. 0.2 miles away); Trinity Horse Shed Reconstruction (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mueller Machine Shed (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mequon.

Photographed by Paul F, May 28, 2010

2. Oldest Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Marker

Photographed by Paul F, May 28, 2010

3. Oldest Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 3,241 times since then and 162 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 29, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.