MartinStephanForum.com

This web site is designed as a forum and exchange of information, discussion, documentation, review, clarification and evaluation of the Saxon Emigration led by Pastor Martin Stephan (1777-1846). Pastor Stephan's contributions and those of his descendants to the founding and development of the Lutheran Church Missouri are essential to the life of this church body and to church history.

The authors of this web site hope to generate and compile all known historical records about the life of Dr. Martin Stephan and his descendants, including books, articles, tracts, letters and documents from anyone who is interested in this history and is willing to share this information.

We appeal especially to the descendants of the Saxon Lutheran Emigration to share oral history and documents which may further enhance our knowledge of Martin Stephan's ministry and his leadership of the Saxon Lutheran Emigration. There are varying accounts of Martin Stephan's life, of the emigration and events following his expulsion from the emigration colony in Perry County Missouri, and the life and ministry of his son, Martin Stephan. Some of these accounts agree but many do not. Some works and historical accounts have never been made public or translated.

The authors of the web site and the web mistress invite only those who are motivated by graciousness and the truth, to revisit this history. We invite only comments on the Martin Stephan and Saxon Emigration story which are insightful, thoughtful, positive and non-judgmental. ( Any attempts to harass or discredit this forum will be cut off.)

The Objectives of this web site then are:

1. We wish to revisit and evaluate this historical event so that all facets of this emigration come into clear focus as to their historical accuracy.

2. We desire to honor the work of Martin Stephan and his descendants for their contribution in creating a Lutheran Church in America.

3. We wish to make any new material translated into English available to scholars and historians who desire to make public previously unpublished information of these events and people.

Naomi Stephan, Ph.D. femcomposer@naomimusic.com