Our History
Where We Started
When Dr. Carl O. Pederson, the pastor at Trinity Lutheran on La Crosse’s North side, canvassed French Island in February of 1949, he learned that 110 families wanted a church on the island; 75 of those families were Lutheran. Services soon commenced at the Town of Campbell Fire Hall. By April, the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC) approved a “mission church” under Trinity’s guidance. In May, there were 18 families on the Olivet Lutheran Church roster.
Membership grew to 30 families by July when the building of a 100-seat church commenced. Located at 1745 Caroline St., the cinder-block church was financed with a $12,000 ELC grant, a $5,000 loan from Trinity, discounts from local businesses, and profuse “sweat equity” from church members and friends.
Initially, Olivet was part of an ELC parish along with Trinity and First Lutheran in Onalaska. Olivet’s services were on Sunday evenings because Pederson and two seminarians were serving all three congregations. It was not long before Olivet and First Lutheran broke their affiliation with Trinity and shared one pastor.
In 1954, Olivet called its own full-time pastor. The growing congregation then built a parsonage adjacent to the church. The basement was used for Sunday School classes. (In 1976, the parsonage was sold and is now a residential home at 1743 Caroline St.)
By 1957,Olivet offered two Sunday morning services to its 375 baptized members and was experiencing “growing pains.” Knowing that an interstate system was soon to pass through French Island, Olivet purchased 3.5 acres at 2100 Bainbridge to be close to I-90. On Palm Sunday 1962, a new $70,000 church was dedicated.
Olivet was now part of the American Lutheran Church (ALC) because of Lutheran denominations merging. Locally, it was known as “The Church of French Island.” Olivet was recognized for its community outreach during the historic La Crosse flood of 1965.
Church membership dropped shortly thereafter, and Olivet was without a pastor for half of 1968. While many thought Olivet would fail, the congregation persevered. By1972, Olivet was self-sustaining and no longer required mission support from ALC.
“Growing pains” surfaced again in 1985. A mobile home was even used for Sunday School. In 1989, a $175,000 addition, which featured a 150-seat sanctuary, was completed. The 1962 church would now be used for Sunday School and as a fellowship hall.
Unfortunately, the early 1990s brought many struggles, and Olivet faced foreclosure in 1994. In 1995, Olivet called its 12th pastor, the Rev. David Baldukas, who led the congregation for the next 25 years. In his first year, the budget was in the black, membership grew, and worship attendance increased. In 1998, Saturday evening services were offered for the first time. That same year, Olivet adopted its current mission: “sharing the light and love of our Lord.”
Around 2004, Olivet began identifying itself as “Olivet ‘Beacon of Light’ Lutheran Church.” That name became even more fitting in 2007 with a $1.4 million church addition that doubled the size of the church and included an exterior lighthouse. The 266-seat sanctuary was first used for Christmas Eve services in 2007. Worship attendance continued to grow since Olivet welcomed members of any faith background.
Olivet itself was affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in American (ELCA) church, due to yet another merger of Lutheran denominations that had occurred in 1988. But, in 2005, Olivet questioned some of the ELCA’s actions and viewpoints, particularly that of homosexual marriages. In 2009, Olivet left the ELCA and associated itself with Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC).
With continued growth, a $1.6 million Christian education wing and chapel were added in 2017. As with all churches, Olivet experienced challenges in 2020 with COVID-19, but rebounded. The congregation welcomed its15th pastor, Jeremy Walloch, in 2021.
Where We Started
When Dr. Carl O. Pederson, the pastor at Trinity Lutheran on La Crosse’s North side, canvassed French Island in February of 1949, he learned that 110 families wanted a church on the island; 75 of those families were Lutheran. Services soon commenced at the Town of Campbell Fire Hall. By April, the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC) approved a “mission church” under Trinity’s guidance. In May, there were 18 families on the Olivet Lutheran Church roster.
Membership grew to 30 families by July when the building of a 100-seat church commenced. Located at 1745 Caroline St., the cinder-block church was financed with a $12,000 ELC grant, a $5,000 loan from Trinity, discounts from local businesses, and profuse “sweat equity” from church members and friends.
Initially, Olivet was part of an ELC parish along with Trinity and First Lutheran in Onalaska. Olivet’s services were on Sunday evenings because Pederson and two seminarians were serving all three congregations. It was not long before Olivet and First Lutheran broke their affiliation with Trinity and shared one pastor.
In 1954, Olivet called its own full-time pastor. The growing congregation then built a parsonage adjacent to the church. The basement was used for Sunday School classes. (In 1976, the parsonage was sold and is now a residential home at 1743 Caroline St.)
By 1957,Olivet offered two Sunday morning services to its 375 baptized members and was experiencing “growing pains.” Knowing that an interstate system was soon to pass through French Island, Olivet purchased 3.5 acres at 2100 Bainbridge to be close to I-90. On Palm Sunday 1962, a new $70,000 church was dedicated.
Olivet was now part of the American Lutheran Church (ALC) because of Lutheran denominations merging. Locally, it was known as “The Church of French Island.” Olivet was recognized for its community outreach during the historic La Crosse flood of 1965.
Church membership dropped shortly thereafter, and Olivet was without a pastor for half of 1968. While many thought Olivet would fail, the congregation persevered. By1972, Olivet was self-sustaining and no longer required mission support from ALC.
“Growing pains” surfaced again in 1985. A mobile home was even used for Sunday School. In 1989, a $175,000 addition, which featured a 150-seat sanctuary, was completed. The 1962 church would now be used for Sunday School and as a fellowship hall.
Unfortunately, the early 1990s brought many struggles, and Olivet faced foreclosure in 1994. In 1995, Olivet called its 12th pastor, the Rev. David Baldukas, who led the congregation for the next 25 years. In his first year, the budget was in the black, membership grew, and worship attendance increased. In 1998, Saturday evening services were offered for the first time. That same year, Olivet adopted its current mission: “sharing the light and love of our Lord.”
Around 2004, Olivet began identifying itself as “Olivet ‘Beacon of Light’ Lutheran Church.” That name became even more fitting in 2007 with a $1.4 million church addition that doubled the size of the church and included an exterior lighthouse. The 266-seat sanctuary was first used for Christmas Eve services in 2007. Worship attendance continued to grow since Olivet welcomed members of any faith background.
Olivet itself was affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in American (ELCA) church, due to yet another merger of Lutheran denominations that had occurred in 1988. But, in 2005, Olivet questioned some of the ELCA’s actions and viewpoints, particularly that of homosexual marriages. In 2009, Olivet left the ELCA and associated itself with Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC).
With continued growth, a $1.6 million Christian education wing and chapel were added in 2017. As with all churches, Olivet experienced challenges in 2020 with COVID-19, but rebounded. The congregation welcomed its15th pastor, Jeremy Walloch, in 2021.
When Dr. Carl O. Pederson, the pastor at Trinity Lutheran on La Crosse’s North side, canvassed French Island in February of 1949, he learned that 110 families wanted a church on the island; 75 of those families were Lutheran. Services soon commenced at the Town of Campbell Fire Hall. By April, the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC) approved a “mission church” under Trinity’s guidance. In May, there were 18 families on the Olivet Lutheran Church roster.
Membership grew to 30 families by July when the building of a 100-seat church commenced. Located at 1745 Caroline St., the cinder-block church was financed with a $12,000 ELC grant, a $5,000 loan from Trinity, discounts from local businesses, and profuse “sweat equity” from church members and friends.
Initially, Olivet was part of an ELC parish along with Trinity and First Lutheran in Onalaska. Olivet’s services were on Sunday evenings because Pederson and two seminarians were serving all three congregations. It was not long before Olivet and First Lutheran broke their affiliation with Trinity and shared one pastor.
In 1954, Olivet called its own full-time pastor. The growing congregation then built a parsonage adjacent to the church. The basement was used for Sunday School classes. (In 1976, the parsonage was sold and is now a residential home at 1743 Caroline St.)
By 1957,Olivet offered two Sunday morning services to its 375 baptized members and was experiencing “growing pains.” Knowing that an interstate system was soon to pass through French Island, Olivet purchased 3.5 acres at 2100 Bainbridge to be close to I-90. On Palm Sunday 1962, a new $70,000 church was dedicated.
Olivet was now part of the American Lutheran Church (ALC) because of Lutheran denominations merging. Locally, it was known as “The Church of French Island.” Olivet was recognized for its community outreach during the historic La Crosse flood of 1965.
Church membership dropped shortly thereafter, and Olivet was without a pastor for half of 1968. While many thought Olivet would fail, the congregation persevered. By1972, Olivet was self-sustaining and no longer required mission support from ALC.
“Growing pains” surfaced again in 1985. A mobile home was even used for Sunday School. In 1989, a $175,000 addition, which featured a 150-seat sanctuary, was completed. The 1962 church would now be used for Sunday School and as a fellowship hall.
Unfortunately, the early 1990s brought many struggles, and Olivet faced foreclosure in 1994. In 1995, Olivet called its 12th pastor, the Rev. David Baldukas, who led the congregation for the next 25 years. In his first year, the budget was in the black, membership grew, and worship attendance increased. In 1998, Saturday evening services were offered for the first time. That same year, Olivet adopted its current mission: “sharing the light and love of our Lord.”
Around 2004, Olivet began identifying itself as “Olivet ‘Beacon of Light’ Lutheran Church.” That name became even more fitting in 2007 with a $1.4 million church addition that doubled the size of the church and included an exterior lighthouse. The 266-seat sanctuary was first used for Christmas Eve services in 2007. Worship attendance continued to grow since Olivet welcomed members of any faith background.
Olivet itself was affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in American (ELCA) church, due to yet another merger of Lutheran denominations that had occurred in 1988. But, in 2005, Olivet questioned some of the ELCA’s actions and viewpoints, particularly that of homosexual marriages. In 2009, Olivet left the ELCA and associated itself with Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC).
With continued growth, a $1.6 million Christian education wing and chapel were added in 2017. As with all churches, Olivet experienced challenges in 2020 with COVID-19, but rebounded. The congregation welcomed its15th pastor, Jeremy Walloch, in 2021.
Where We Started
When Dr. Carl O. Pederson, the pastor at Trinity Lutheran on La Crosse’s North side, canvassed French Island in February of 1949, he learned that 110 families wanted a church on the island; 75 of those families were Lutheran. Services soon commenced at the Town of Campbell Fire Hall. By April, the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC) approved a “mission church” under Trinity’s guidance. In May, there were 18 families on the Olivet Lutheran Church roster.
Membership grew to 30 families by July when the building of a 100-seat church commenced. Located at 1745 Caroline St., the cinder-block church was financed with a $12,000 ELC grant, a $5,000 loan from Trinity, discounts from local businesses, and profuse “sweat equity” from church members and friends.
Initially, Olivet was part of an ELC parish along with Trinity and First Lutheran in Onalaska. Olivet’s services were on Sunday evenings because Pederson and two seminarians were serving all three congregations. It was not long before Olivet and First Lutheran broke their affiliation with Trinity and shared one pastor.
In 1954, Olivet called its own full-time pastor. The growing congregation then built a parsonage adjacent to the church. The basement was used for Sunday School classes. (In 1976, the parsonage was sold and is now a residential home at 1743 Caroline St.)
By 1957,Olivet offered two Sunday morning services to its 375 baptized members and was experiencing “growing pains.” Knowing that an interstate system was soon to pass through French Island, Olivet purchased 3.5 acres at 2100 Bainbridge to be close to I-90. On Palm Sunday 1962, a new $70,000 church was dedicated.
Olivet was now part of the American Lutheran Church (ALC) because of Lutheran denominations merging. Locally, it was known as “The Church of French Island.” Olivet was recognized for its community outreach during the historic La Crosse flood of 1965.
Church membership dropped shortly thereafter, and Olivet was without a pastor for half of 1968. While many thought Olivet would fail, the congregation persevered. By1972, Olivet was self-sustaining and no longer required mission support from ALC.
“Growing pains” surfaced again in 1985. A mobile home was even used for Sunday School. In 1989, a $175,000 addition, which featured a 150-seat sanctuary, was completed. The 1962 church would now be used for Sunday School and as a fellowship hall.
Unfortunately, the early 1990s brought many struggles, and Olivet faced foreclosure in 1994. In 1995, Olivet called its 12th pastor, the Rev. David Baldukas, who led the congregation for the next 25 years. In his first year, the budget was in the black, membership grew, and worship attendance increased. In 1998, Saturday evening services were offered for the first time. That same year, Olivet adopted its current mission: “sharing the light and love of our Lord.”
Around 2004, Olivet began identifying itself as “Olivet ‘Beacon of Light’ Lutheran Church.” That name became even more fitting in 2007 with a $1.4 million church addition that doubled the size of the church and included an exterior lighthouse. The 266-seat sanctuary was first used for Christmas Eve services in 2007. Worship attendance continued to grow since Olivet welcomed members of any faith background.
Olivet itself was affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in American (ELCA) church, due to yet another merger of Lutheran denominations that had occurred in 1988. But, in 2005, Olivet questioned some of the ELCA’s actions and viewpoints, particularly that of homosexual marriages. In 2009, Olivet left the ELCA and associated itself with Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC).
With continued growth, a $1.6 million Christian education wing and chapel were added in 2017. As with all churches, Olivet experienced challenges in 2020 with COVID-19, but rebounded. The congregation welcomed its15th pastor, Jeremy Walloch, in 2021.
Where We Started
When Dr. Carl O. Pederson, the pastor at Trinity Lutheran on La Crosse’s North side, canvassed French Island in February of 1949, he learned that 110 families wanted a church on the island; 75 of those families were Lutheran. Services soon commenced at the Town of Campbell Fire Hall. By April, the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC) approved a “mission church” under Trinity’s guidance. In May, there were 18 families on the Olivet Lutheran Church roster.
Membership grew to 30 families by July when the building of a 100-seat church commenced. Located at 1745 Caroline St., the cinder-block church was financed with a $12,000 ELC grant, a $5,000 loan from Trinity, discounts from local businesses, and profuse “sweat equity” from church members and friends.
Initially, Olivet was part of an ELC parish along with Trinity and First Lutheran in Onalaska. Olivet’s services were on Sunday evenings because Pederson and two seminarians were serving all three congregations. It was not long before Olivet and First Lutheran broke their affiliation with Trinity and shared one pastor.
In 1954, Olivet called its own full-time pastor. The growing congregation then built a parsonage adjacent to the church. The basement was used for Sunday School classes. (In 1976, the parsonage was sold and is now a residential home at 1743 Caroline St.)
By 1957,Olivet offered two Sunday morning services to its 375 baptized members and was experiencing “growing pains.” Knowing that an interstate system was soon to pass through French Island, Olivet purchased 3.5 acres at 2100 Bainbridge to be close to I-90. On Palm Sunday 1962, a new $70,000 church was dedicated.
Olivet was now part of the American Lutheran Church (ALC) because of Lutheran denominations merging. Locally, it was known as “The Church of French Island.” Olivet was recognized for its community outreach during the historic La Crosse flood of 1965.
Church membership dropped shortly thereafter, and Olivet was without a pastor for half of 1968. While many thought Olivet would fail, the congregation persevered. By1972, Olivet was self-sustaining and no longer required mission support from ALC.
“Growing pains” surfaced again in 1985. A mobile home was even used for Sunday School. In 1989, a $175,000 addition, which featured a 150-seat sanctuary, was completed. The 1962 church would now be used for Sunday School and as a fellowship hall.
Unfortunately, the early 1990s brought many struggles, and Olivet faced foreclosure in 1994. In 1995, Olivet called its 12th pastor, the Rev. David Baldukas, who led the congregation for the next 25 years. In his first year, the budget was in the black, membership grew, and worship attendance increased. In 1998, Saturday evening services were offered for the first time. That same year, Olivet adopted its current mission: “sharing the light and love of our Lord.”
Around 2004, Olivet began identifying itself as “Olivet ‘Beacon of Light’ Lutheran Church.” That name became even more fitting in 2007 with a $1.4 million church addition that doubled the size of the church and included an exterior lighthouse. The 266-seat sanctuary was first used for Christmas Eve services in 2007. Worship attendance continued to grow since Olivet welcomed members of any faith background.
Olivet itself was affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in American (ELCA) church, due to yet another merger of Lutheran denominations that had occurred in 1988. But, in 2005, Olivet questioned some of the ELCA’s actions and viewpoints, particularly that of homosexual marriages. In 2009, Olivet left the ELCA and associated itself with Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC).
With continued growth, a $1.6 million Christian education wing and chapel were added in 2017. As with all churches, Olivet experienced challenges in 2020 with COVID-19, but rebounded. The congregation welcomed its15th pastor, Jeremy Walloch, in 2021.
Where We Started
When Dr. Carl O. Pederson, the pastor at Trinity Lutheran on La Crosse’s North side, canvassed French Island in February of 1949, he learned that 110 families wanted a church on the island; 75 of those families were Lutheran. Services soon commenced at the Town of Campbell Fire Hall. By April, the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC) approved a “mission church” under Trinity’s guidance. In May, there were 18 families on the Olivet Lutheran Church roster.
Membership grew to 30 families by July when the building of a 100-seat church commenced. Located at 1745 Caroline St., the cinder-block church was financed with a $12,000 ELC grant, a $5,000 loan from Trinity, discounts from local businesses, and profuse “sweat equity” from church members and friends.
Initially, Olivet was part of an ELC parish along with Trinity and First Lutheran in Onalaska. Olivet’s services were on Sunday evenings because Pederson and two seminarians were serving all three congregations. It was not long before Olivet and First Lutheran broke their affiliation with Trinity and shared one pastor.
In 1954, Olivet called its own full-time pastor. The growing congregation then built a parsonage adjacent to the church. The basement was used for Sunday School classes. (In 1976, the parsonage was sold and is now a residential home at 1743 Caroline St.)
By 1957,Olivet offered two Sunday morning services to its 375 baptized members and was experiencing “growing pains.” Knowing that an interstate system was soon to pass through French Island, Olivet purchased 3.5 acres at 2100 Bainbridge to be close to I-90. On Palm Sunday 1962, a new $70,000 church was dedicated.
Olivet was now part of the American Lutheran Church (ALC) because of Lutheran denominations merging. Locally, it was known as “The Church of French Island.” Olivet was recognized for its community outreach during the historic La Crosse flood of 1965.
Church membership dropped shortly thereafter, and Olivet was without a pastor for half of 1968. While many thought Olivet would fail, the congregation persevered. By1972, Olivet was self-sustaining and no longer required mission support from ALC.
“Growing pains” surfaced again in 1985. A mobile home was even used for Sunday School. In 1989, a $175,000 addition, which featured a 150-seat sanctuary, was completed. The 1962 church would now be used for Sunday School and as a fellowship hall.
Unfortunately, the early 1990s brought many struggles, and Olivet faced foreclosure in 1994. In 1995, Olivet called its 12th pastor, the Rev. David Baldukas, who led the congregation for the next 25 years. In his first year, the budget was in the black, membership grew, and worship attendance increased. In 1998, Saturday evening services were offered for the first time. That same year, Olivet adopted its current mission: “sharing the light and love of our Lord.”
Around 2004, Olivet began identifying itself as “Olivet ‘Beacon of Light’ Lutheran Church.” That name became even more fitting in 2007 with a $1.4 million church addition that doubled the size of the church and included an exterior lighthouse. The 266-seat sanctuary was first used for Christmas Eve services in 2007. Worship attendance continued to grow since Olivet welcomed members of any faith background.
Olivet itself was affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation in American (ELCA) church, due to yet another merger of Lutheran denominations that had occurred in 1988. But, in 2005, Olivet questioned some of the ELCA’s actions and viewpoints, particularly that of homosexual marriages. In 2009, Olivet left the ELCA and associated itself with Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC).
With continued growth, a $1.6 million Christian education wing and chapel were added in 2017. As with all churches, Olivet experienced challenges in 2020 with COVID-19, but rebounded. The congregation welcomed its15th pastor, Jeremy Walloch, in 2021.