Grave markers whisper stories of Chicago’s past at Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery. This cemetery offers a glimpse into the lives of early German immigrants. It shows their faith and community spirit.
Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, also known as Wunder’s Churchyard, has many names. These include German Lutheran Cemetery of Saint Paul and Emanuel Churches and First Evangelical Congregation of Saint Paul Cemetery. It is also known as Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel Cemetery and Wunder’s Kirchof. Other names include Lutheran German Cemetery, Rev. Wunder’s Churchyard, and German Protestant Cemetery.
The cemetery was founded in October 1859 on 4.5 acres. It was named in 1919 after Rev. Heinrich Wunder. He was the second pastor of First Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church along with Immanuel Lutheran Church.
First Saint Paul’s Church formed April 9 1848 by Pastor August Selle. About 43 families worshipped in the Chicago Courthouse. Then they gathered in a little log hut. It was on Indiana street just West of Wells. Pastor Wunder was ordained on September 21 1851. Early burials were in City Cemetery before the land at its present site was obtained.
Despite its small size, Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery holds over 28000 burials. A large baby section allowed more burials per acre. Pastor Wunder personally made 4970 burials by March 1906.
In 1858, a petition sought to end burials in the Chicago Cemetery. This cemetery was located in what is now the south end of Lincoln Park. This was due to residential expansion. This led to limiting lot sales in May 1859. The closing and removal of bodies to cemeteries outside the city followed after 1866.
New cemeteries sprang up outside Chicago’s early boundaries. Four of these were Wunder’s, Graceland, Hebrew Benevolent, and Rosehill. They were in Lake View. Lake View was a separate town until Chicago annexed it in 1889. Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery was founded in 1859. It was originally called The First German Lutheran or The Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery.
The German Lutheran Cemetery incorporated in 1912. On October 19 1919 it was renamed Wunder’s Cemetery Association. This honored Rev. Heinrich Wunder. He was pastor of First Saint Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church. Members of this congregation and First Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church were elected as directors. Since 1983, the board has been drawn only from First Saint Paul’s.
Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery sits on 14.5 wooded acres. It is bounded by Irving Park Road, Clark Street, Seminary Street, and Hebrew Benevolent Cemetery. The cemetery’s location on a sandy beach ridge provides good drainage.
Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery holds some 15000 gravesites. Many Chicago notables chose it as their final resting place. These include William and Anna Wieboldt, founders of a department store chain. George Manning, a professional baseball player, is buried here. Lorenzo Thundercloud, Chief of the Sioux Nation, is here too. Charles Seyferlich, Chicago Fire Department Chief, rests here as well. Frederick Dinkelberg, architect of notable New York and Chicago skyscrapers, is also buried here. And of course, Rev. Wunder and his family are here too.
Today, Saint Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery stands as a testament to Chicago’s past. It embodies faith, community, and remembrance. Take a moment to reflect on those who rest here. Remember their stories and contributions to the city.