Eastside Evangelical Lutheran Church and School sits on Independence Lane on Madison's east side, across from East Towne Mall and behind the DoubleTree. Founded in 1925 with fifteen members meeting in a private home, the congregation has grown into a thriving Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod parish with a Christian day school, two pastors, and a century-long commitment to its neighborhood. Its motto sums up the heartbeat of the place: "Growing in Jesus. Telling of His Love."
A Century on Madison's East Side
The story of Eastside begins in the fall of 1925, when Rev. Theo Thurow, pastor at Peace in Sun Prairie, canvassed the east side of Madison and saw a mission field ready for the Gospel. The organizational meeting was held on October 1, 1925 at the home of Mr. Charles Strobush at 2644 E. Dayton Street, which also served as the location for worship services for two months. With just fifteen members, the Mission Board purchased three lots on the northeast corner of East Mifflin and North Streets and began building a chapel that seated about 200. Services moved to the basement on December 13, 1925, and the chapel was dedicated on February 14, 1926.
The first pastor, Gervasius W. Fischer, and the founding members believed strongly that a Lutheran school should accompany the church. On October 28, 1926, the congregation accepted "mortal responsibility" for a Lutheran school that opened February 1, 1927 at Gallagher Park, operated jointly with other area WELS congregations.
On July 1, 1960 the congregation purchased the eight-acre site on Independence Lane that they still occupy. Architectural plans were approved in the summer of 1963, groundbreaking was held on September 15, 1963, the cornerstone was laid on March 29, 1964, and the building was dedicated on June 21, 1964. The parsonage was ready for occupancy by summer 1965, and that fall Eastside Lutheran School began operating independently in the new building. Building additions followed in 1977 and again in 2005. Over the years Eastside has been active in starting new congregations and schools in nearby communities so the Gospel would continue to spread. The current membership is right around 600 souls, with a Christian day school that enrolls over 100 students served by 11 full-time teachers and two pastors.
God has blessed his Word at Eastside for over ninety years. The congregation has been served by a long line of called pastors: Gervasius W. Fischer (1925-1934), Theophil H. Mahnke (1935-1946), Reginald A. Siegler (1946-1954), Karl G. Bast (1954-1980), Paul S. Soukup (1980-1990), David A. Kipfmiller (1981-1988), Harold E. Wicke (1989-1992), Glen F. Schmiege (1988-2016), Kenneth A. Gast (1990-2007), Michael T. Novotny (2007-2014), Nathan H. Berg (2015-2024), Peter R. Schlicht (2017-2023), David Horton (2024-present), and Nathaniel Walther (2025-present).
What Eastside Believes and Confesses
Eastside is a Christian church, a Lutheran church, an evangelical church, and a confessional church, and each of those identities shapes how the congregation worships, teaches, and serves.
As a Christian church, Eastside believes and teaches the three historic statements of the Christian faith: the Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds. These clarify that God is Triune, three equal yet distinct persons in one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The congregation believes and teaches that Jesus Christ is God the Son from all eternity, who took on human nature at his birth in Bethlehem, and that human beings are saved solely by faith in him and his perfect life and atoning death for sin.
As a Lutheran church, Eastside emphasizes the three great truths of the Reformation. By grace alone, we are forgiven and saved solely as a result of God's undeserved love, for the sake of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Through faith alone, all that Jesus did is received personally through trust, created and confirmed by the Holy Spirit through the Gospel in Scripture and the Sacraments. On the basis of Scripture alone, Christian truth and life are established solely by the sixty-six books of the Bible, God's inspired-by-Holy-Spirit and error-free revelation.
As an evangelical church, the word "evangelical" points to the Gospel, the good news that God's love, forgiveness, and everlasting life are his free gift to sinners for the sake of Jesus Christ. The Gospel shapes the message, the mission, and the character of the congregation's life together in Christ's Church.
As a confessional church, Eastside consistently teaches the doctrines set forth in the Lutheran Confessions. Among those doctrines are that God created a perfect world in six days; that Adam and Eve rebelled against God and forfeited his image; that God the Father sent his Son to live the perfect life required of us and to suffer the condemnation for sin as our Substitute; that Jesus rose from the dead, ascended to be Lord of the universe and Head of the Church, and sent the Holy Spirit to bring people to faith; that God's moral will summarized in the Ten Commandments is absolute and unchanging; that Jesus established two sacraments, Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper; that the Holy Christian Church is comprised of all who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior; that at death the soul separates from the body, with believers experiencing joy in Christ's presence; and that Jesus will return at any time to resurrect the dead and gather believers for eternal life.
Liturgical Worship Three Times a Week
Worship at Eastside is liturgical. The service is a collection of hymns, dialogues, readings, and practices drawn from every century of the Christian Church's existence, including the present one. The historic worship practices of the Christian Church, some of them almost two thousand years old, are believed to have much to teach. Worship at Eastside is rooted in the past, proclaimed in the present, and geared toward the future. The aim is for worship to be relevant, timely, and edifying, never contrived or manipulated. Worship flows from the Gospel and points to Jesus Christ, proclaiming and applying the forgiveness, life, and salvation he won for all people on the cross.
Regular services are held every Sunday at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM, with an additional Thursday evening service at 6:30 PM. Each service typically includes:
- The Invocation: A calling on the name of the Triune God, identifying God as our own. All differences among worshipers, while not ignored or denied, are superseded by their identity in Christ as his self-revealed name is again placed upon the gathered, just as in Baptism.
- Admitting Sins and Finding Forgiveness: An acknowledgment that worshipers have not always done what God asks, followed by an assurance that the forgiveness of sins is as real as if God himself spoke it because of what Jesus Christ has done for us.
- Bible Readings: Three lessons each Sunday, one from God's Old Testament prophets, one from Jesus' apostles, and one from Jesus himself in the Gospels. A lectionary of assigned readings assures that the saving events of the Lord's life, death, and resurrection are reviewed each year. A Psalm of the Day is included, commenting on the Old Testament Lesson.
- The Message: A sermon offering applicable instruction and encouragement based on a selected text for that Sunday in the church year, applying the never-changing truths of Scripture to the specific individuals gathered in this specific place at this specific time.
- Confession of Faith: A weekly recitation of one of the ancient creeds, the Apostles', Nicene, or Athanasian Creed, stating what the congregation believes and showing unity with one another and with the Christians who came before.
- The Lord's Supper: Celebrated two Sundays a month. Eastside believes that God offers the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ in and with the bread and wine as a means to receive the forgiveness of God that Jesus Christ won for us on the cross. Because the Lord's Supper proclaims complete unity in all that is believed and taught, all those who commune at Eastside have been thoroughly instructed and agree with all the congregation believes and teaches. This practice is called Close Communion.
- Our Response: Offerings and Prayers: Freewill offerings given in response to God's love carry out the great commission of sharing the good news of Jesus with others in the community and throughout the world. Guests are not expected to contribute. The congregation also prays in thanksgiving, in supplication for strength to do God's will, and in intercession for others.
- Parting Blessing: A final assurance of God's care as the Lord's name is placed on the worshipers. With God's name come the gifts he desires to give: blessings, protection, grace, and peace.
Children are welcome in worship, and an adult Bible study along with Sunday School for ages three through fourth grade runs between the Sunday services from 9:15 to 10:15 AM so parents can attend.
Pastors David Horton and Nathaniel Walther
Eastside is currently shepherded by two pastors. Pastor David Horton is a born and bred Wisconsinite who arrived most recently from Michigan. Before attending the seminary, Pastor Horton taught at the high school level and spent several summers abroad for work. He enjoys watching the Badgers, the Bucks, the Brewers, and the Buccaneers (and the Packers). Pastor Horton recently married Gina, who, along with her daughter Coral, now resides with him in Fitchburg. He looks forward to sharing the Gospel peace Jesus gives at Eastside's church, school, and community. He may be contacted through the church office or by email at dhorton@eastsidelutheran.org.
Pastor Nathaniel Walther accepted the call to serve Eastside after a decade on the mission fields of North Dakota, where he was privileged to start a new congregation. He loves spending time with his family and cheering on Wisconsin sports teams. He enjoys being outdoors and the hobbies that come with it, including downhill skiing, deer hunting, landscape photography, and sitting around a firepit. He appreciates the blessings that come with a good church home, especially great music and the unique family feeling that comes when people are united by Christ's love and forgiveness. If you are missing that in your life, Pastor Walther would love to share more over a cup of coffee. He may be reached at nwalther@eastsidelutheran.org.
The Pastoral letter "Grace and Peace" comes from Pastor Nathan Berg at the close of the Worship Services page, reflecting the long line of called men who have served this parish.
Eastside Lutheran School, Preschool Through 8th Grade
Eastside Lutheran School has been an integral part of the congregation's ministry from the very start. Today it serves more than 100 students in preschool through 8th grade with 11 full-time teachers. The school is staffed by WELS Certified Teachers and holds WELSSA accreditation. The DPI report card rating is 87.1, the highest rating in 2025. The student-to-teacher ratio is 12 to 1, and tuition vouchers are available through the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program. The school's motto is "God's Word: Our Greatest Treasure," taken from Luke 12:34.
In partnership with families, Eastside Lutheran School empowers students to mature in faith, cultivate Christian character, and develop their God-given talents. Students are prepared academically and spiritually to engage the world and impact future generations for the glory of God. The school nurtures a growing faith in Jesus Christ through the power of Scripture, empowers students to confidently witness their faith, prepares students with academic and life skills, and strengthens the vital bond between home, school, and church.
The Early Childhood (K3-K4) program is operated by Eastside Lutheran Church under the Board of Child Discipleship and follows the teachings of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Its primary purpose is to teach God's Word and the Good News about Jesus while providing a quality Christian environment to the young children of the community. Morning classes meet 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and wrap-around care is available from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM at $7.00 per hour when a child is not in preschool. Half-day tuition rates for the 2026-2027 school year range from $280 per month for two sessions per week to $480 per month for five sessions per week, paid in nine monthly installments.
The elementary curriculum (preschool through 4th grade) covers religion, Bible study, catechism, memory treasures, hymn study, language arts (reading, language, spelling, phonics, penmanship), the sciences (general, life, earth, and physical), fine arts (arts and crafts, music appreciation, elements of music, vocal), social studies (geography, history, current events, map skills), mathematics (number usage, general math, remedial math, Saxon math), computer education (word processing, database), and physical education. Choir, band, interscholastic sports, band lessons, and music competition round out the elementary offering.
The middle school curriculum (5th through 8th grades) expands into comparative religions, Martin Luther, literature, grammar, speech, art, handbells, pre-algebra, algebra, keyboarding, spreadsheets, multimedia presentation, science fair, forensics, spelling bees, visual arts fair, and fine arts fair. Seventh and eighth graders participate in confirmation instruction classes as arranged by the pastors.
Current faculty include Brittni Carran (Early Childhood Director and 3K-4K Teacher), Marie Laich (Kindergarten), Jessica Kuchta (1st Grade), Alyssa Scharrer (2nd Grade), Mandy Treder (3rd Grade and School Music Coordinator), Eric Duve (4th Grade), Heather Walther (5th Grade), Anne Heller (6th Grade and Deaconess), and Rachel Kass (7th/8th Grade and Technology Coordinator). Every teacher is a member of the WELS teaching ministry, with most having graduated from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota.
Sundays Between Services: Sunday School and Adult Bible Study
From 9:15 to 10:15 AM on Sunday mornings, the hour between the two Sunday services is dedicated to Christian education for every age. Sunday School provides the opportunity for younger children to learn the precious story of salvation. Children age three through fourth grade meet in the childcare lobby of the school, where they study God's Word together. At the same hour, parents and other adults are invited to attend the adult Bible study held during the Sunday School hour, giving the family a chance to grow in the Word together.
For new members and those curious about what Eastside teaches, the Bible Information Course runs on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM and meets during the Sunday School hour at 9:15 AM. No matter the spiritual beliefs or religious background of those who attend, the class is intended for them. It is described as a laid-back, non-judgmental setting in which to study what the Bible actually says about God's love and his plan for life. The class is also the road to membership at Eastside Lutheran, and all members are encouraged to attend as well. It is free, new classes start all the time, and scheduling is flexible.
Sunday mornings are also when Baptism is celebrated. The congregation teaches that Baptism is not just plain water but water used by God's command and connected with God's Word (Matthew 28:19). Baptism works forgiveness of sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare. Eastside baptizes infants, as has the Christian Church from the beginning.
Bible Studies Throughout the Week
Bible study at Eastside extends well beyond Sunday morning. A Friday morning Bible Study meets from 10:00 to 11:00 AM and is open to all members of the community. A Women's Bible Study gathers on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. A Wednesday evening Public School Catechism from 5:00 to 6:00 PM provides catechism instruction for students who attend public school. The Bible Information Course runs on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM, leading toward membership. The Mission Guild, the ladies' mission group, meets on the third Thursday of each month from September through May, excluding January.
The church's discipleship ministry oversees all Bible classes and Bible study curriculum to foster spiritual growth, promote financial stewardship, train members for ministry, help coordinate volunteers, provide opportunities for fellowship, and help new members become an active part of the congregation. This ministry also oversees Sunday School, Youth Bible and Vacation Bible Studies, the Family Ministry to help families nurture the next generation, Christ-centered educational classes, and youth fellowship events.
Coffee Grounds, Mission Guild, and the Ladies of Eastside
Volunteer groups at Eastside are named for the church's mission and personality. The Coffee Grounds Club is a volunteer group organized to clean up the church grounds each week. Members meet on Thursdays at 7:30 AM at Chick-fil-A down the street for coffee, then go to work cleaning the church grounds. The name is appropriate: coffee first, then the grounds. New volunteers are always welcome.
The Mission Guild is the ladies' organization at Eastside, joined with other WELS congregations in the area to form the Capitol Circuit. Ladies from the Capitol Circuit congregations meet in the spring and fall for a Rally, where they hear speakers sharing up-to-date missions news and conduct a brief business meeting. The Mission Guild is a member of the International Lutheran Missionary Society, which provides focus for the support of missions and information about missionaries at home and abroad. Its objective is to increase interest in and support of mission work not funded by the Synod. The Mission Guild meets at Eastside monthly on the third Thursday from September to May, excluding January, and frequently hosts speakers who are working in mission ministries. Offerings collected at these meetings are sent to missions such as the African Medical Mission, India, China, and Kingdom Workers. The ladies also support missionaries with prayers and letters of encouragement. All ladies of Eastside are considered members and are welcomed to join the monthly meetings.
Serving Madison's East Side
Eastside Lutheran takes its calling to serve the neighborhood seriously. The annual Food Drive Canvass, now in its ninth year, is a highlight of that ministry. Members drop bags off at the doorsteps of their east-side neighbors on a Saturday and then drive around the neighborhood the following Saturday to pick up the bags of food left on porches. In the most recent drive, more than 3,000 pounds of food were collected and donated to local food banks to help families in need on Madison's east side.
June Jumble Days is the congregation's annual community outreach event, held on a Friday and Saturday in early June. The gym and outside veranda are filled with gently used and like-new items at very low prices: clothing for all ages, accessories, jewelry, linens, craft items, housewares, holiday items, home décor, books, puzzles, toys, small appliances, and electronics. Specialty areas include a popular jewelry section, a Gem table of one-of-a-kind and collectible items, and a holiday area. Bakery specialties are sold in the school lobby, and a dessert cart offers home-made goodies for $1 each, with free coffee all day. Saturday specials offer $10-per-bag deals on the gym contents. The most recent June Jumble Days raised over $7,000, all of which was given to the WELS mission in Vietnam.
Science Camp is a free, week-long, hands-on summer program for children entering 4K through 5th grade. Held at the Eastside campus, the camp fills up to capacity (120 campers) and includes customized hands-on activities, a t-shirt for every camper, and a theme that ties together science and the Christian life. Recent themes have included "Lost in the Desert" and others that tie science and faith together.
Power Hour is a free monthly program for parents, caregivers, and their young children (infants, toddlers, and preschoolers). Power Hour meets one Friday each month at 9:00 AM, with age-appropriate activities including arts and crafts, a sensory table, flannel stories and storytime, music, and playtime with educational toys. The program is free to attend and includes all activities. Little Eagle Playgroup is a similar parent-and-child opportunity held during the week.
Eagle Tournament is an annual basketball tournament hosted by Eastside for more than 40 years. The tournament is an A-team (7th-8th grade) event with eight teams in the boys bracket and eight teams in the girls bracket, providing a weekend of great basketball and great fellowship among area Lutheran schools.
Field and Fun Day is another annual event that brings the school and church communities together for fellowship and recreation.
Eagles Athletics
Eastside students compete as the Eastside Eagles in the Badgerland Lutheran Athletic Conference (BLAC). Interscholastic athletics are offered across three seasons:
- Fall: Volleyball (girls), Soccer (coed), Cross-Country (coed)
- Winter: Basketball (girls), Basketball (boys), Cheerleading (girls)
- Spring: Softball (coed), Track (coed)
The purpose of interscholastic athletics is for the child to grow in his or her skills and abilities and to use those skills in meaningful competition against other teams. At the B team level, every player gets a chance for meaningful participation in all games and practices. The A team focuses on competition, with coaches playing players as they see fit. The athletic director reviews interest each year to determine which grade levels will make up each team and whether a team can be fielded.
Players, coaches, and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a Christian manner at games, since the teams they compete against share the same general attitude toward interscholastic athletics. Eastside competes against other area Lutheran schools through the BLAC.
The school's extra-curricular offerings include choir, band, handbells, interscholastic sports, band lessons, music competition, science fair, forensics, spelling bees, visual arts fair, and fine arts fair.
Giving, the Mobile App, and Family Life
Eastside teaches that giving is a privilege, a blessing, and a natural result of being a Christian. The congregation describes giving as an act of worship, not merely a line item on a spiritual checklist. Members may give online through Pushpay.
A mobile app is available to help members and visitors connect with Eastside from anywhere and at any time. The app provides access to sermons, the events calendar, devotionals, and giving.
Eastside Lutheran School uses the Fast Direct school information system, allowing parents to monitor attendance, grades, the hot lunch account, childcare, and payments. The school also offers a Scrip program, in which families purchase gift cards for everyday shopping and a portion of the proceeds is applied to a student's tuition account. Scrip orders are placed by Monday at 8:30 AM for delivery on Fridays, and orders may be placed online through RaiseRight or with cash or check in the church narthex.
Eastside Lutheran School and its students will mature in their faith, demonstrate Christian character, develop their God-given talents, and be academically, intellectually, and spiritually prepared to engage the world and impact generations to the glory of God. To that end the school joins the congregation in the mission: Growing in Jesus. Telling of His Love.