"The Little White Church on the Corner"
Simple Beginnings
1928
Thiensville was originally settled in 1842 by European residents. John Henry Thien purchased a large section of land. He considered himself a Free Thinker and with this mind set he prohibited the construction of churches. As such, it was 87 years after its beginnings before a church was built in the village. Because of this, Thiensville was known for decades as the “The Churchless Village.”
Until the fall of 1929, Sunday School classes were held in the old Village Hall and later at the fire station. In the fall of 1928 a charter and constitution were adopted to establish an English Lutheran Church within the village of Thiensville. In 1929 the first church building was constructed by the congregation and was known as he “the little white church on the corner.” It was dedicated on May 5, 1929.
Until the fall of 1929, Sunday School classes were held in the old Village Hall and later at the fire station. In the fall of 1928 a charter and constitution were adopted to establish an English Lutheran Church within the village of Thiensville. In 1929 the first church building was constructed by the congregation and was known as he “the little white church on the corner.” It was dedicated on May 5, 1929.
1931
Less than one month after Grace’s dedication service, the congregation unanimously voted to build a parsonage. It was dedicated on October 11, 1931.
1958
By the 1940s, new additions were needed because of rapid growth. Growth continued at Grace through the 1940s and 1950s and it was decided that a new building was needed. Groundbreaking for the new church took place in 1958. Construction was completed and the new building was dedicated on November 16, 1958. The little white church was used for various Sunday School and community activities until 1972. All that remains of the original structure today is the cross that once adorned the steeple that you can find in the foyer and the entrace doors that are currently in storage. In 1965 Fellowship Hall, Sunday School classrooms and enlargement of the sanctuary were undertaken.
Forward in Faith ~ United by Grace
2002
In 2002 a major renovation project was completed. The focus of this project was in the gathering space/narthex area. A new central office was added along with an elevator and handicap-accessible first floor restrooms. The East Wall Memorial Project including the sculpture of the risen Christ was completed in 2003. In 2009 Grace became completely handicap accessible with the installation of automatic doors funded by the Memorial Fund. ALL are truly welcome now!