The same God who long ago sent his Son to take away our sins has seen fit to prosper the work of Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Church in Antigo. We are completely undeserving of these or any other blessings. To him be all the glory and praise.When the fellowship between the Wisconsin Synod and the Missouri Synod ended and when the differences between these synods became increasingly apparent, the Wisconsin Synod was asked to start a mission congregation in the Antigo area. The first service was held in a private home on June 2, 1976. Nine communicants were present. Pastor Fleming of St. John, Enterprise officiated. In August of that year the congregation began worshipping in public buildings. In 1982 the mission board and the congregation’s voting members called Michael Spaude to be the pastor.
In 1989, with a loan from the synod, God enabled the congregation to build their present chapel. Several other Wisconsin Synod members from area congregations donated much time and materials. In early 1990 the church was dedicated to the glory of God. More than three hundred people packed the church to hear Pastor Gene Ahlswede, Mission Board member and circuit pastor deliver a message based upon the text in Revelation, “I am making everything new.”
Currently the church is a self-supporting congregation of one hundred fifty-eight communicants. As we look back to our humble beginnings there is no doubt that God has been faithful to that promise he gave just before his Ascension Day, “I will be with you always.” Let us trust him to be with us in the future, daily forgiving our many sins and finally taking us to our mansion above. To him alone be all the glory.
