Started in 1982, the purpose of the WELS Historical Institue is to preserve and present the story of God’s grace to WELS. Membership currently consists of 25 organizations (congregations, school libraries, etc.) and 336 individuals.
The institute publishes two issues of the WELS Historical Institute Journal and two Historical Institute newsletters each year. The Journal is designed to appeal to pastor, teacher, and layperson alike. It includes heavily researched articles interspersed with personal reminiscences and translations of old letters and documents.
Members, special gifts and bequests, as well as grants from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans support the institute. Synod members who have documents or artifacts to be preserved are invited to contact the WELS Temporary Archives Caretaker, Prof. John Hartwig, 262/242-8113.
The editor of both publications is Dr. Arnold Lehmann, 417/725-1264. He invites articles dealing with people and events from our synod's past, to be considered for publication.
