Historic Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was destroyed by fire on May 15. The church, a prominent part of the Milwaukee skyline, was founded in 1847 and is the second oldest Missouri Synod congregation in the state. The congregation’s third church, designed by Fredrick Velguth in the Victorian Gothic style, was built between 1878 and 1880 at a cost of $43,500, including $3,500 for the organ. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
William Schuelke of Milwaukee installed his Opus 10 in the rear gallery, completed for the church’s dedication. The façade of the organ was hand carved by Erhard Brielmeier, the same person who carved the wood of the church’s altar. Somewhat altered over the years, the instrument was noted to be the one of the most important extant organs by this builder, consisting of two manuals, 38 ranks. Early reports after the fire indicate portions of the organ may have survived. John Behnke is organist and choir director. For information: www.trinitymilwaukee.org.
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Schuelke organ (photo credit: William T. Van Pelt)
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