Holy Resurrection Armenian Church, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

In 1910, the first Armenians arrived in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to work in the local factories. The majority are from Kayseri province in Turkish Armenia, from the villages of Tomarza, Jujoon, Everek, Chomaglou, Sivas, and Kharpet. 

After several years, the Armenian population grows along with the need for religious services. A Board of Trustees is elected with Hagop Yelanjian as Chairman, Mgerditch Vahradian as Vice Chairman, and Kaloust Dadian as Treasurer. Services are held by visiting Armenian clergymen at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. After WWI, many of the Armenian men traveled back to their homeland, some to bring back wives who were left behind, and others returned with brides for themselves and prospective brides for their friends. The Armenian population in South Milwaukee continues to grow. 

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In 1924, the city’s Armenian elders called a meeting at Franke’s Hall to organize a building fund committee. Soon after the initial meeting, the committee purchased the former St. Luke’s Church at 909 Michigan Avenue for $3,200 and invested an additional $11,000 to remodel the structure to meet their needs.  

On October 3 and 4, 1924, Soorp Haroutune Armenian Apostolic Church was consecrated by Archbishop Dirayr Hovanessian. It is the first Armenian church in Wisconsin. 

On February 7, 1960, fire struck Soorp Haroutune, and the Alter was destroyed.  During this year, the membership voted to construct a new church. Plans were presented to the congregation, and construction was started on December 10. On July 6, 1961, Archbishop Sion Manoogian officiated the cornerstone blessing of the new church, and on April 15, 1962, the new Soorp Haroutune Church was consecrated.  

In 1963, Holy Resurrection Church became the new name of Soorp Haroutune, following a directive from the Diocese. Holy Resurrection is a translation of Soorp Haroutune.