A Brief History

• We began in 1965 as a mission outreach from First Presbyterian in Waukesha with “an enthusiastic group of people who loved the Lord and the church and wanted to do something pretty exciting about it.”
• Sixty-three members of First Presbyterian were commissioned to establish a church within a half-mile radius of East Avenue and Sunset Drive to serve the growing population on the south side of Waukesha.

• Our first pastor served for twenty-six years. His wife was a music teacher and led the choir for many years. In 1979 our St. Lucia Festival and Breakfast began as a tribute to his Swedish heritage.
• New church traditions developed as new members brought a richness of talent and enthusiasm to the core of original volunteers.
• Choral and instrumental music were important from the beginning. Fourteen choir members sang at the very first service. Later, handbell, brass and violin groups at one time or another enhanced worship. Services were filled with music and liturgical dramas, artistic banners, and youth musical productions.
• Fellowship opportunities abounded. The “Minsters” group provided adult fellowship and Presbyterian men’s and women’s groups were chartered. Family Camp, and Progressive Dinners were just some of the ways that we got to know each other and gave encouragement and support.
• We grew because Southminster members were good recruiters. As a blessed consequence, there were church expansions including an expanded sanctuary, fellowship hall, more Christian education space, and a new organ.
• Ministry to families and the centrality of a strong Sunday school and Christian education program for all ages has characterized Southminster. 70 adults and 40 children attended our very first service at the Town Hall. In 1972, churchwomen from the morning circle established the very successful Mother’s Day Out Program for Pre-schoolers.
• We are about social action locally and mission outreach globally. In 1983, hardy volunteers lead the first Youth Mission Trip. Later our congregation began supporting Guatemala bridge building expeditions and our own missionaries to Kazakhstan. Other mission opportunities have included Habitat for Humanity, the Waukesha Food Pantry, Peacemaking actions, a ministry to the Hispanic Community in Waukesha and regular Mission Auctions.
• After forty-three years and only our third minister, we are still fueled and challenged by the Gospel message and what it means to live it out. God’s faithfulness is reflected in those of our number who have gone on to become ordained ministers. Southminster has a legacy of openness, strength and diversity. The nurturing of lay leadership is a cornerstone of that strength. Our first pastor said that his favorite quotation from Ghandi was: “There go the people. I must follow them. I am their leader!” By God’s grace, we continue to go forth bearing the Good News.