Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church traces its beginnings to 1879, when five German Lutheran families who had moved from Eckley, Pennsylvania to establish homes in Clinton began seeking a pastor who could preach the saving message of the Gospel and administer the Sacraments.

The first worship service of the new congregation was held on February 1, 1880. These early services were conducted in German, the native language of the founding members. The congregation formally organized on January 29, 1882, and later that year, on July 16, 1882, the first church building was dedicated.

As the congregation grew, additional ministries were established. A parsonage was built in 1901. In 1905 a Christian Day School opened with nine students enrolled on the first day, growing to forty by the end of the school year. The Ladies Aid Society was organized in 1906, and Sunday School and confirmation instruction began in 1915. In 1926 the congregation also established a Mission Society dedicated to supporting mission work.

During these years the congregation gradually transitioned from German to English in worship. By 1930 English had become the primary language used in services, though occasional services in German continued for some time.

In 1936 the congregation voted to construct the present church building. The original church structure was removed and work began on a new sanctuary built of locally quarried Lannon stone. The building was designed by Milwaukee architect Hugo C. Hauser, who specialized in church architecture throughout Wisconsin. Hauser designed the church in the Gothic Revival style, a form widely used by Lutheran congregations because it reflected the historic architecture of European parish churches from the time of the Reformation.

Construction was largely carried out with local labor and determination. The church basement was excavated using slip scrapers pulled by tractors and horses, and building materials were hauled up Allen Street from the railroad depot using flatbed trucks and horse-drawn wagons. The cornerstone for the present church was laid on September 29, 1936.

The new church and pipe organ were dedicated on June 20, 1937, with three festive worship services. The building is distinguished by its square bell tower, pointed Gothic arch windows, and red clay tile roof, which reflects architectural traditions brought to America by Lutheran immigrants from Europe.

Over the years the congregation has continued to celebrate important milestones. In 1957, during the congregation’s 75th anniversary celebration, a Schuelmerich electronic bell system was dedicated, making Christ Lutheran the first church in the village to broadcast chimes from its bell tower. That same year an outdoor bulletin sign constructed from extra Lannon stone was also dedicated.

The congregation celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1982 and its 125th anniversary in 2007. Since its founding, twelve pastors have served Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, proclaiming the Gospel and administering the Sacraments to the congregation.