Walther Lutheran High School Family Handbook

Walther Lutheran High School - A Brief History

“The heart of education is the education of the heart” was the slogan that served as the guidepost and goal for dedicated Christians to begin a venture of faith that became Walther Lutheran High School in 1954.

Walther is one of three high schools that completed the expansion plan for the original Chicago Lutheran high school called Luther Institute which had first opened its doors to students in 1909. The three new high schools, Luther North, Luther South, and Walther, formed the Lutheran High School Association of Greater Chicago.

The Melrose Park site for the “west side” school was purchased in 1950 and the successful fundraising campaign culminated with a ground-breaking service in November 1953. Mr. Fred Meyer was called to serve as the school’s first principal and to supervise the building plans. The school was named for C. F. W. Walther, one of the founding fathers and first president of what is now the Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church.

The first school year began on September 13, 1954, with classes for 142 students and 7 faculty at off-site facilities because the new building was not finished. On November 8, 1954, classes were held in the new building for the first time.

Three large Lutheran congregations with elementary schools within 10 minutes travel time provided the most students to an enrollment that reached 500 in the early years and then gradually declined to 290 in the early 1990's. Enrollment has risen since that time to the current figures of between 350 and 400 students. The student body has changed over the years as the demographics of the area has changed; having a racial mix that reflects the local communities with white, black and Hispanic students.

Mr. Herman Zemke became the schools second principal in 1975, a position he held until his retirement in 1992. He served as interim principal until Mr. Kevin Dunning assumed the principal’s position in 1994. “Quality Education in a Christian Environment” has been adopted as a descriptive slogan for more recent years. Walther has been accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the State of Illinois, and in 1991 received National Lutheran Accreditation.

In 1989, the Lutheran High School Association of Greater Chicago was dissolved and each of the member schools became independent. At this time the Walther Lutheran High School Association was formed and Mr. Don Gillingham became the schools first executive director.

In March, 1996, Walther’s delegates unanimously approved the Board of Director’s decision to develop a campus plan and fund-raising campaign to take Walther to “2000 & Beyond.” The first addition to Walther’s building was completed in December, 1996 and added new music facilities and a Multi-Purpose Room.

Mr. Stephen Zielke became Walther’s fourth and current principal in July, 1999. A major event in Walther’s history came about in March, 2000, when Operation Burn the Mortgage’s match grant of $500,000 went over the top 10 months before the deadline and we literally “burned the mortgage” on our building.

The “Walther@50" campaign brought about the construction of the second major addition to Walther’s facilities since 1954. The Christopher Family Science and Technology Wing welcomed thstudents on January 6 , 2003. This state-of-the-art facility houses science classrooms, a new chemistry lab, a computer lab and class room, and a high-tech AV classroom along with new administrative and counseling offices.

The 50th Anniversary of Walther Lutheran High School was celebrated on November 28, 2004. Families, friends, alumni, current students, faculty and staff took part in a Family Fun Day, a Gala Dinner and finally, a very special Worship Service and Reception.

In 2007, Walther began entering a new era. With our 50th anniversary in 2004 the Walther Board of Directors began an in depth study of the state of Lutheran Education in our service area. This study lead us to an understanding that this Lutheran High School provides a focal point for Lutheran Education. Recent changes in our By – Laws enable us to go beyond the Chicago Avenue campus to build a stronger system of education to help more families enable their kids to grow in mind, body and spirit.

Look for the Walther name to appear in connection with new ministries. We will become more active developing our visibility in the arts and in youth programs. We will do even more to encourage our students to put their faith into action. The impact of Walther, which has been so great for our grads, will now be more apparent in the churches and communities that surround the school.

It is the goal of administrators and leaders that this Lutheran high school continue to be a viable mission and ministry to the churches and communities it serves, as the need for ministry to young people in a world of uncertainty and materialism becomes more crucial.

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