Reformation service planned at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Milwaukee over 6 years since destructive fire

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's been more than six years since a fire all but destroyed the historic Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church near downtown Milwaukee. Since then, the repair work has been painstaking and slow. Thursday, Oct. 31, the first service will be held in the almost-fully restored church sanctuary. 

Pastor M. Douglas Peters previously told CBS 58 the fire that left the 145-year-old building as just a shell of what it once was in May of 2018.

The historic building was engulfed in flames on May 15, 2018. 

“I was able to watch them try to put this out," said Pastor Peters. "It was devastating. So much because the building itself was just historic, but I always knew the people who made this their home."

Inflation and the pandemic prolonged the restoration project, Pastor Peters told CBS 58, the pandemic prolonged the restoration project to bring the church back to a place where he could welcome the 180-person congregation. 

After many years of prayers, the day has come. 

"Essentially from the bricks to the outside in...is new," Peters said. 

An estimated $5 million was needed to be able to rebuild the church. They fundraised about $1.5 million and took out a loan. 

While parts of the structure, like the roof and the windows are new, the community was firm in their belief that they could still keep many elements of the historic landmark intact. 

"The art was removed right away… it was all restored," Peters said. 

There's still work to be done. The church needs permanent seating and an organ. Ahead of the service to celebrate a return to the building, Paster Peters says his message in the space will address a crowd ignited by their faith to make even more improvements. 

"We’re all going to tried and tested in this life. It’s easy to give up, it’s easy to turn our backs," Peters said. “It’s only by God’s grace that we are able to remain steadfast and has that’s because our head is steadfast and that’s Jesus Christ. everything that he endured, he will see us through.”

The service is planned to begin at 6 p.m. and Pastor Peters says he's planning for a very large attendance. More information is available on the church's and Facebook page.