C.F.W. Walther, born in Saxony, Germany, emigrated in 1838 with a large group of confessional Lutheran Saxons who arrived in St. Louis and Perry County, Missouri, early in 1839. In the face of severe troubles and serious doctrinal questions, Walther emerged as the competent and faithful leader of these Saxon Lutherans, serving as pastor in Dresden and Johannisberg. A few years later he was a central figure in the organization and founding of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod and was elected its first president in 1847. Frequently called "the American Luther," he became the Synod's leading theologian during its early years, and through his many writings continues to influence and guide the Missouri Synod to this day.