Martin Luther HS Mobile

In 1961, a set of meetings of the Lutheran High School Association Board with Association congregational church councils led to a survey of the south side Lutheran churches of Milwaukee to project potential enrollment figures for the possible development of a South-Side Lutheran high school. The survey questionnaire was sent to 6,020 persons in twenty churches, and indicated a probable first year enrollment of 380 students. The following excerpt shows the feeling of urgency among them: “The first permanent solution, which is also a moral obligation of the Association, is to provide a Lutheran high school for the young people living in the southern half of the Milwaukee community. This will fulfill a promise made to these good people when they participated so wholeheartedly in the fundraising drive for the present school and acquitted themselves so well.” Mass meetings of Association churches and active student interest in a second high school generated enthusiasm for the new project.
In January 1964, the board of directors was empowered to engage an architect resulting later in the selection of Plunkett, Keymar, Reginato, and Associates. A fundraising committee was appointed which suggested in May, 1965, that a two-year campaign should involve all participating congregations with an every-member visitation. Congressional goals would be set by personal conferences with each congregation. They affirmed, “We’ve done it before… of course we can do it again, with God’s help.” A promotional booklet proclaimed: “We Shall FINISH the Unfinished Symphony of Christian Education.” This sort of faith and dedication to the accomplishment of a difficult task bore fruit.
On April 30, 1967, using the same shovel which has been used at the Milwaukee Lutheran High School groundbreaking, ground was broken for the building of our second Lutheran high school. Pastor Carl Egloff was the speaker. Music was supplied by the Band and the Concert Choir of Milwaukee Lutheran High School. The cornerstone laying service for Martin Luther High School was held on October 22, with Dr. Walter W. Stuenkel, president of Concordia College, the guest speaker. The Milwaukee Lutheran High School Band and Concert Choir again provided the music. Since 1967 was the 450th Anniversary of the Reformation, the school was called Martin Luther High School.
Construction progressed rapidly during 1967. By the end of December the building was completely enclosed and the heating plant installed. The Campaign Status Report covering contributions to the Building Fund brought good news in the Association Newsletter of July, 1967:
“We are grateful to our Lord for the wonderful response of congregations and friends of Martin Luther High School, and are happy to report that the total figure is now over $1,000,000. The initial campaign goal was a cautious $900,000. The present total is a thrilling endorsement of Christian secondary education for our young people." The April 1968, Association Newsletter reported that construction had been progressing ahead of schedule. A mild winter and large efficient crews enabled the contractor to move the completion date a month ahead of schedule. Total cost of the facility came to 2.3 million dollars.
Dedication and The Early Years ...
Martin Luther High School was dedicated September 15, 1968. More than 1,500 people attended the festival service at which the Milwaukee Lutheran High School Band and Choirs provided the music. Dr. M. L. Koehneke, president of Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois, was the principal speaker. Following the service a reception was held in the cafeteria, and all guests were invited to tour the building.

The Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee is a group of premier high schools dedicated to sharing Jesus and developing future leaders by providing relevant, rigorous academics and life preparation from a Christian worldview.
Our mission statement is the precise reason why Martin Luther High School is such a special place. Our Christian beliefs compel us to integrate the faith in all aspects of life. We lead by serving, modeling ourselves after Jesus Christ. Our caring is marked by the presence of compassion, integrity, collaboration, and accountability. Our commitment to the success of all students calls us to provide programs and instruction dynamic enough to meet the demands of the future. We invite you to embrace our mission and join our school family while being educated at one of the finest high schools in the nation!
Martin Luther High School is a direct descendant of the first Lutheran high school in the nation, established in 1903 in Milwaukee. It is owned and operated by forty-nine Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregations in the Milwaukee area, and is accredited by the North Central Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges. Martin Luther High School has been recognized as a National Exemplary School (Blue Ribbon School) by the U.S. Department of Education. In 1997, Martin Luther received the Christus Award for Excellence from the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, for its commitment to Christ-centered education, strong staff development and a curriculum of high quality.
Looking back through the years to the humble beginnings of this ministry, we find that the one thing that has not changed is the Gospel of the love of God in Christ Jesus. It is still the central theme of Lutheran secondary education, whether in a religion course, or in its application to the total Christian life. Since 1968, young people have attended Martin Luther High School in preparation for adult life. Our graduates contribute to the quality of life in their homes, churches and communities around the world. For this, and for so many blessings, we continue to seek young men and women of all races, religions and ethnic origins who desire to reach their full potential as productive members of society.