Welcome to Grace Lutheran Church in Tomahawk, WI. Here is some History about Grace Lutheran Church leading up to present day.
Our History
Grace Lutheran Church in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, has a rich history of faith, service, and community outreach that spans more than a century. Since its founding in 1893, Grace has continually adapted to meet the spiritual and community needs of the people it serves while remaining committed to its mission of sharing God’s love.
1893–1934: A Foundation of Evangelism
Grace Lutheran Church was established in 1893 as the First Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Church. During its first four decades, the congregation focused primarily on evangelism as part of a larger ministry serving Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, and Finnish settlers throughout the Tomahawk area. Worship services were conducted in Norwegian, reflecting the heritage of the congregation.
The original church building was a wood-frame structure with its main entrance facing 2nd Street. During these early years, the congregation was served by pastors from neighboring communities, primarily Rhinelander.
1934–1966: Expanding the Ministry
In 1934, the congregation adopted the name Grace Lutheran Church to reflect its desire to reach beyond its Scandinavian roots and welcome a broader community. This transition followed the construction of a new brick sanctuary in 1932 and the adoption of English-language worship services.
These changes strengthened the congregation’s worship life and expanded its ministry opportunities. From the 1930s through the mid-1960s, Grace operated as a two-point parish, serving both the Tomahawk congregation and a second congregation at Prairie Rapids in the Nokomis area.
1966–2005: A Focus on Christian Education
A significant milestone occurred in 1966 when the two congregations merged. This merger led to substantial growth and development. The church facilities were expanded by reorienting the worship space, adding an education and fellowship wing, and making Washington Avenue the primary entrance to the church. A second pastor was also added to the staff.
During this period, Grace placed a strong emphasis on Christian education, developing programs and opportunities for children, youth, and adults to grow in faith and discipleship.
2005–Present: Fellowship, Service, and Community
In 2005, Grace Lutheran Church entered another chapter of growth with the addition of a new sanctuary, gathering space, and administrative offices. These improvements enhanced the congregation’s ability to support two additional areas of ministry: fellowship and service.
Today, Grace continues the ministries that have shaped its history. Evangelism remains active through outreach opportunities such as summer outdoor worship services on Lake Nokomis. Worship is enriched through both traditional and contemporary music and services. Christian education continues through strong programs for children, youth, and adults.
Recognizing the importance of relationships, Grace fosters community through numerous fellowship opportunities, including Dinner for Six groups, congregational meals, small groups, Men’s Breakfast gatherings, Older Wiser Lutherans (OWLs), youth ministries, and intergenerational activities that bring together both youth and senior adults.
Grace is also deeply committed to serving the wider community. Congregation members actively support and lead numerous local ministries, including the food pantry, Salvation Army Service Unit, Alcoholics Anonymous groups, Tomahawk Area Interfaith Volunteers, Blessings for Babies, prayer shawl ministries, and blanket-making projects.
Beyond the local community, Grace maintains meaningful partnerships with its sister congregation, Lekubu Lutheran Parish, in South Africa and Greater Galilee Baptist Church in Milwaukee. The church has also welcomed distinguished musical groups, including the Augsburg Choir and the Swedish Gospel Choir, to share their gifts with the congregation and community.
For more than 130 years, Grace Lutheran Church has remained dedicated to worship, evangelism, education, fellowship, and service—faithfully carrying forward its mission while building meaningful relationships within the church, the community, and the world.