Our History

Come learn about the rich history of both our Christ the King and Cross of Life Campuses as well as how we came to be UNITY.

November 1956 - Pastor Robert L. Bartsch begins holding services at Woodside School located at Lily Road and Capitol Drive in Broofield, WI.
April 1957 - Christ the King was organized with 202 charter members.
November 1957 - Groundbreaking ceremony for the chapel at 146th Street and Lisbon Road.
1962 - The Rev. P. Frederick Opem begins his tenure with Christ the King.

1965 - The present site of Christ the King, 4600 Pilgrim Road, was purchased for $85,000.
January 1966 - Groundbreaking on the modern church begins with the formal dedication one year later.
1968 - The congregation reaches 1000 members as Rev. Edward P. Ankerberg becomes the first Associate Pastor.
1983 - A Remodeling and Building Committee is formed to plan for new additions to the church including a new worship area, narthex, music room and a new bell tower. A new Cassavant Pipe Organ was built and installed.

1988 - Construction begins on the new additions.
1989 - The finished construction and pipe organ dedicated including a newly-remodeled sanctuary with the semi-circular layout.
1990 - Rev. Opem (pictured left) retires from CTK and is named Pastor Emeritus for his 29 years of service.
1997 - The New Prayer Garden is constructed and dedicated in front of the church.
2007 - Christ the King celebrates it's 50th Anniversary.

Christ the King Church

1978 - Pastor Dave Swenson canvases the neighborhood and begins holding services at Hillside Elementary School in Broofield, WI. First Service (3/14/1978).
1979 - A Charter for the new Cross of Life church is formed and signed by 253 members.
1980 - Dave Swenson answers the call and officially becomes Cross of Life's First Pastor. Church becomes self-supporting through the pledges of the members.

1982 - Groundbreaking begins on the present location of Cross of Life.
April 3rd, 1983 - First Service in the new building preceded by a pilgrimage from Hillside (pictured). Building dedicated later that year.
1986 - Pastor Dave accepts call to Good Shepherd Lutheran in Madison, WI. Membership up to 620 members.

1988 - Groundbreaking begins with the Education Wing.
1989 - Dedication of the finished Ed Wing. Groundbreaking of the new Sanctuary begins.
1990 - Current Sanctuary is dedicated. Pastor Sue M. Sheffer-Meyer accepts call and serves until 1995.
1996 - Pastor John Horner-Ibler accepts call to be Pastor, serving 27 years.
1998 - Pastor Maria Pederson accepts call to be Pastor, serving 8 years.
1999 - Cross of Life introduces Saturday evening worship services.

2002 - Groundbreaking begins on the last expansion of the Cross of Life building including a Second Floor Education Wing, Fellowship Hall expansion and Offices.
2003 - The latest expansion is dedicated. Cross of Life begins international partnership with El Salvador.
2006 - Pastor Sherrie Lorbeck accepts call to be Pastor.
2013 - Pastor Muriel Otto accepts call to be Pastor, serving 11 years.

Cross of Life Church

History of UNITY Coming Soon!