Update: I went back to the Western Lutheran Cemetery in December of 2018?and in the late summer of 2021.
I got back up to the Western Lutheran Cemetery, founded in 1865, and I made some new observations now that the grass is shorter. This is easily one of the most historic, if largely forgotten, cemeteries in the region, and it is tucked away in North City.
From its “paper plat” map, I learned there was a small school building south of the church building (north is at the top), and I’m still intrigued by the weird shaped plats on the east side of the cemetery, where there are still houses.
The “plat map” reveals something else fascinating (north is on the right), and also explains why the cemetery is now tucked away in an isolated location. Ashland Avenue was formerly New St. Charles Road, so like most cemeteries, it was once on a major artery between St. Louis and St. Charles. It is south of Natural Bridge Avenue now. The demolished school has been crossed out with a pencil.
Update: I revisited Immanuel Lutheran Church in January of 2019.
The nearby church, which was once Immanuel Lutheran Church, is in what I might call Norman Gothic Revival Style. It is well-maintained and occupied by a new congregation. Note the fencing on the windows, no doubt to keep errant balls from the schoolyard next door from breaking the stained glass.
beautiful – never knew this existed until I saw it posted on face book this morning
Debbie, stay tuned for additional photographs of the cemetery on January 11th, and thanks for reading!
Mr Naffziger,
My name is Janis Hutchinson I am a past member of Immanuel Lutheran Church I was the keeper of Western Cemetery prior to it being sold. I really need to talk to you, I am seeking help in caring for this historic site. Hoping you can guide me in the right direction.
Janice, I also am interested. I HAVE FAMILY BURIED THERE. M y name is Laverne B oehmke and I now live in Washing ton state, university town of Pullman
I have lots of family there as well. Janis — to your knowledge are there any maps of the layout of the original cemetery? Lot/row map??
Unfortunately, I do not know of any plan for the cemetery and the order of burials.
I just realized this was an historic cemetery my girlfriend brought it to my attention so I recorded and took some pictures for my YouTube channel it’s amazing I live a few blocks away from it
I would love to see that!