in Germany. However, as the synod developed a more confessional stance, a desire to train its own pastors grew. Furthermore, it was becoming more challenging to provide the church body with a sufficient number of pastors. In 1863, the Wisconsin Synod passed a resolution to establish a college and seminary in Watertown for the training of its own ministers in America.
==== Beginnings ====
Northwestern College began operation in 1865, when the first building was dedicated. The square-shaped building, topped by a small, square cupola, was affectionately called the Kaffeemuehle, or coffee grinder, by Northwestern's early, mostly German-speaking, students. The building housed the college, its preparatory department, and a seminary.
Financial hardship marked the earliest years of Northwestern due to a lack of interest from Wisconsin Synod congregations, yet in 1868 the college built a new dormitory and added 30 acres (12 ha) to its property.
The Wisconsin Synod also solidified its confessional stance during this …
