Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran Church

Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran Church is a Gothic Revival building in Milwaukee featuring two spires of contrasting heights that dominate the skyline. The structure combines cream-colored brick walls with soaring arched windows and a spacious interior sanctuary designed to accommodate large congregations.

The church was constructed in 1889 when the German Lutheran congregation, founded in 1848, had grown to more than 2,500 members. This Gothic Revival building represented a major undertaking by the rapidly expanding community in Milwaukee.

The congregation served as a gathering place for German-speaking communities in Milwaukee for generations, with worship and community life conducted in German until the mid-20th century. This heritage remains visible in the architecture and traditions that reflect the values of those who built this place.

The building is visible from the street and its Gothic Revival details can be appreciated from the sidewalk, with the two spires creating a striking view from different angles. The location in a residential neighborhood makes it easy to visit on foot and explore the architectural features at a leisurely pace.

A small historic cottage that once housed the caretaker was transformed in 2015 into a modern gathering space for the congregation. This conversion of a simple residential structure into a contemporary community center shows how the congregation has adapted its historic campus.