The congregation here at Trinity Lutheran Church in Altenburg had the opportunity to sing “He’s Risen, He’s Risen” this past Sunday on the occasion of the First Sunday after Easter.  This hymn is the only one in our hymnal which was written by Dr. C.F.W. Walther.  He wrote both the lyrics and the tune.  I think knowing the story behind this hymn makes it even more meaningful when we sing it.

During his short stay here in Perry County, Dr. Walther helped start the Log Cabin College and led the congregations at both Dresden and Johannisberg during times of great suffering and death.  Not long before his participation in the Altenburg Debate, his fall into the icy waters of the Apple Creek caused him severe medical issues.  After taking a call to Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Louis, he became involved in a whole new set of responsibilities.  In addition…