THE SAXON LUTHERAN MEMORIAL - A CASE HISTORY IN PRESERVATIOn

No one could write more authoritatively about the development of the Saxon Lutheran Memorial than the president of Concordia Historical Institute, Dr. Gerhardt Kramer, who has been intimately connected with the project from the beginning and whose personal involvement in establishing and maintaining the Memorial shows through in every line of his account. Dated 1978

How did Saxon Lutheran Memorial get started? Dr. Gerhardt Kramer, August R. Suelflow and Charles van Ravenswaay, had a clear vision when few others did. While many saw the old Bergt farm as a rundown property ready to be forgotten, they recognized it as a living witness to the faith and perseverance of the 1839 Saxon immigrants. Through prayer, determination, and God’s blessing, their vision grew into Saxon Lutheran Memorial. And now it’s our turn to carry that vision forward. The past is our foundation. The future is our mission. Enjoy the newspaper article from October 21, 1962

Saxon Lutheran Memorial update:

As of January 31, 2022, Concordia Historical Institute and Saxon Lutheran Memorial, Inc., have arranged for the transfer of and continuation of the property and operation of Saxon Lutheran Memorial to the newly-incorporated Saxon Lutheran Memorial, Inc., under terms and conditions agreeable to both parties. Both Concordia Historical Institute and Saxon Lutheran Memorial, Inc. cooperated in the transfer of the property, its buildings, associated structures and furnishings, and personal property items to the parties’ mutual benefit for purposes of carrying on the mission of Saxon Lutheran Memorial.

The Republic Monitor ran an article about the transfer of Saxon Lutheran Memorial.

The journey for Brian and Jennie Williamson to Saxon began in October 2022, when they first felt called to help write a new chapter in the story of Saxon Lutheran Memorial. In January 2023, after being named ambassadors, they began their transition from Nashville, Tennessee, stepping into a season of preparation and vision casting. By May 2023, they completed their move, bringing with them decades of ministry experience and a heart for mission. Working hand in hand with Board President Todd Petzoldt, they have helped build stronger connections, expand awareness, and strengthen community engagement. As of May 2025, they now serve as Mission Directors, guiding Saxon with both passion and strategic leadership. Their journey reflects a deep commitment to honoring the past while leading boldly into the future.