into the present-day WELS in 1917.
The Minnesota Synod, founded in 1860, suffered from doctrinal disunity and a shortage of workers throughout its early years. The synod sought to resolve these issues by establishing its own theological school in Minnesota.
==== Early years ====
The Minnesota Synod received several bids from communities to be the location of the new school. New Ulm was ultimately chosen due to its favorable site, the persuasion of Rev. C.J. Albrecht, and the large support from both Albrecht's congregation in New Ulm and members of the New Ulm community. Albrecht would later become the first president of DMLC.
Dr. Martin Luther College began operation in 1884. In its early years, preparatory, college, and seminary departments were all kept on the same campus. The direction of the school changed in 1892 when the Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan synods federated. The synods resolved to exclusively train their pastors at Northwestern College and their teachers at DMLC, beginning in the 1893–1894 …
