History

In the late 1970’s, several members of Elmbrook Church’s small groups desired a like-minded church on Milwaukee’s East Side. Planning meetings took place before an actual Sunday evening service was initiated, the first being in a member’s home. Small group leaders led the services. In the summer of 1979, the core church members met with Pastor Stuart Briscoe.

Elmbrook Church agreed to support the young church by providing pastors for Sunday evening services. The Junior Achievement Center was rented, but relocation was necessary after six months due to increased attendance. Two public schools were considered: Glendale’s Nicolet High School and Milwaukee’s Hartford Avenue Middle School. The church membership made a pivotal decision to be committed to the city. Therefore, Hartford Avenue School was chosen because of its location in the city, and its close proximity to UWM. Elmbrook’s first sister church was officially named Eastbrook Church. Dr. Marc Erickson, previously from Elmbrook Church, preached Eastbrook’s first morning service in June of 1980. Offices were located in a small business building on the corner of Wilson Avenue and Capitol Drive.

In 1982 Eastbrook Church signed a contract with the Democratic Republic of Somalia to rebuild and develop the ruined government hospital in Bulo Burti. This city is located on the Webi Shabelli river in the heart of the Hiran Region. Some 20+ people from Eastbrook Church labored on this project from 1983 to 1989. Some of our team came close to martyrdom as the central government colllapsed around them. In one of the great moments of missions at Eastbrook, God sent his angels to deliver them all. From the most recent report about Bulo Burti, we learned that the hospital is still running.

When the congregation grew out of Hartford Avenue Middle School, Milwaukee Riverside High School transformed into a church on Sunday mornings. The purchase of the Metropole Theater, on Oakland Avenue just south of Locust, provided larger office space, a theater in the round for drama ministries as well as Sunday morning and Wednesday night youth meetings, and a bookstore. The Lord continued to bless Eastbrook Church. Finances were available to fund a very aggressive missions program, as well as save money for the anticipated purchase of a permanent church building.

After exploring many building options, the Lord led Eastbrook to purchase St. Nicolas Catholic Church. Church members renovated the sanctuary. The Resource Building, parsonage, and the school were also remodeled. Eastbrook Church held its first service in the new facility in March of 1996.