About West Granville

West Granville Presbyterian Church was founded in April 1860 as "Die erste Presbyterian Kirche." In the wake of the threatening Civil War, the 26 German Calvinists who formed the initial membership forged ahead to build the Cream City brick building which houses the congregation to this day. In its infancy, the congregation showed a strong commitment to its mission, providing assistance to newly freed slaves through the Freedman's Board.

Originally all services were offered in German, and it was not until 1913 that English was adopted as the only language used in worship and Sunday school. The church was a struggling small congregation and often shared a minister with another church or at times had no minister at all. It is noteworthy, however, that the congregation never hesitated in its intention to be part of the Greater Milwaukee religious community. Special collections for the relief of human suffering and community needs were taken regularly, and giving was generous.

We are moving into the 21st century with a firm mission to provide Christian witness to our neighborhood and the world.

Timeline of Key Church Events

1860:

West Granville Presbyterian Church founded by 26 German Calvinists

1941:

Edgar G. Bletcher, a student pastor, arrives at the congregation

1946:

94 congregation members
Edgar G. Bletcher ordained and installed as pastor

1960:

Activated a program to welcome new citizens to our country, sponsoring and supporting numerous immigrants to our community
Participated in the civil rights movement through the Covenant of Open Housing and Project Friendship, as well as in many inner city cleanup, repair, painting activities

1963:

Rev. Edgar G. Bletcher and Ruling Elder Fran Beverstock participate in the March on Washington led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1963
Became a partner in mission with the House of Peace, headed by Brother Booker Ash

1968:

Construction of an addition to the original building, providing a fellowship hall, Christian Education classrooms, office and meeting facilities. Used by many neighborhood organizations, making West Granville an active participant in its local community
Worked with other congregations in the Northwest Milwaukee area to establish Granville Interfaith Program for the Elderly

1980:

Rev. Edgar G. Bletcher retires, marking nearly 40 years of service to one congregation

1980-1985:

Brief tenures by Revs. Tom and Mary McKnight
Undertaking of a mission study which confirmed that West Granville was committed to being a fully participating member of the Northwest Milwaukee community

1985:

Rev. Dee M. Anderson installed as pastor, making his the third installed pastorate for the congregation in the past 60 years

1988:

Worked with the other congregations in the Northwest Milwaukee area to establish a fully licensed nursery school which provided area children with opportunities for growth from 1988-1996, and a tutoring partnership with Maple Tree School

2005:

A blended merger with members of the Perseverance Presbyterian Church adding a new chapter to the history of our congregation

Church Groups & Going-ons: Adult Choir; Recent Photos; June Newsletter; June Calendar; The Story of Jesus by Evan Anderson

Helpful Links: PCUSA Peacemaking; Community Links; Scholarships; Relief Fund Request Form; 2012 Annual Report; Site Map; Contact Us

Directions

6935 North 107th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53224-4316

414-353-8680

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