The original Capitol Drive Lutheran Church building was located on the southwest corner of 52nd Street and Capitol Drive. It seated 180 worshipers with no room to spare. Multiple worship services answered only part of the problem in the burgeoning post World War II era. Membership soared. The Rev. John H. Baumgaertner, the congregation’s first pastor, realized the future and held a vision of a larger congregation–one which needed space for worship and activities.
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In 1949, the cornerstone was laid for the first phase of construction of a large new building. The new location was only one block west of the original church. The congregation worshiped in the lower level of this building for seven years. The architecture of the church was, at first, created in an American Gothic style, which proved far too costly for the congregation to build. With urging from architects Armstrong, Furst and Tilton of Yale University, the plan was altered to present a modern high-rise structure. Dedication ceremonies of this “Landmark” church were held in October, 1956.
In 1967 the congregation built and dedicated a Parish Center on the site of the original church. With class rooms and church offices, it serves the congregation for many functions.
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The nave originally had a seating capacity in excess of 600, but is made comfortable for all groups with moveable seating. The chancel area has space which permits activities and arrangements of larger proportions. Stained glass covers all windows and the main entrance. This work was commissioned to Peter Dohmen Studios, Minneapolis. The interior is acoustically optimized for the church’s 41 rank, three manual Reuter pipe organ.
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The congregation called Rev. Alexis Twito to succeed Pastor Timm in September 2012. She led the congregation to be more deeply invested in it's North Side Milwaukee neighborhood, until she completed her service with us in 2016. Rev. Zipp Zimmermann served as Interim Pastor until Rev. Jay Thorson led CDLC from March 2017 until September 2, 2018.
Capitol Drive Lutheran Church continues to serve the needs of individuals and its community as expressed in its Mission Statement. While it is both a neighborhood and a cosmopolitan church, it remains intensely diverse and personal in its approach to service. |
5305 W. Capitol Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53216
414-445-1656
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Service timesDue to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic – and until further notice – ALL worship services and other activities at CDLC are suspended.
You can listen to our latest sermons and services by clicking on the Sermons/Resources link at the top of this page. God bless you and keep you healthy. |