C. F. W. Walther

C. F. W. Walther
BornOctober 25, 1811
DiedMay 7, 1887
St Louis, Missouri, U.S.
EducationUniversity of Leipzig
SpouseEmilie Buenger
ChurchLutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS)
OrdainedJanuary 15, 1837
WritingsThe Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel, Church and Ministry, Der Lutheraner (periodical)
Congregations served
Trinity Lutheran Church, St Louis, Missouri
Offices held
President, LCMS (1847-1850; 1864-1878)
President, Concordia Seminary

Carl Ferdinand Wilhelm Walther (October 25, 1811 – May 7, 1887) was a German-American Lutheran minister. He was the first president of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) and its most influential theologian. He is commemorated by that church on its Calendar of Saints on May 7. He has been described as a man who gave up his homeland for the freedom to speak freely, to believe freely, and to live freely, by emigrating from Germany to the United States.