About Our Campus(https://www.ctsfw.edu/)
A Modern Village
CTSFW is located on 191 acres of land with the design of the campus crafted by the world renowned architect Eero Saarinen. The inspiration for the village concept came from research done by Glen Paulson on villages in northern Germany. Several were studied, but one was chosen for its rooflines all running in the same direction.
Nestled between North Clinton Street and the Saint Joseph River on Fort Wayne’s north side, the campus provides the perfect combination of nearby amenities with secluded peace. The naturally flowing layout of the campus, combined with the meaning layered into every aspect of its design, makes it a wonderful place to immerse yourself in theological conversation, study and reflection.
Saturday, March 8, 2025 post by the Historic 07 District - Fort Wayne on Facebook:
As Lent begins, billions worldwide reflect on repentance, prayer, and the life, suffering, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the season carries a more profound historical significance—one rooted in the city's transformation into a Lutheran stronghold, thanks to the vision and determination of Henry Rudisill, Wilhelm Loehe, and Wilhelm Sihler.
In 1829, Henry Rudisill arrived in Fort Wayne, then a struggling village of just 150 people. Bringing Lutheranism from Pennsylvania, he and his wife sought to create a new home for German Lutherans. The survival in those early days was grueling, but the settlers' perseverance was inspiring. Early accounts tell of extreme hardship: after nine months, the Rudisills could finally afford a single pound of butter. Food was scarce, and livestock was nearly impossible to obtain. Only when Mrs. Rudisill's father brought the first cow from Ohio did the family find some relief.
Despite these struggles, Rudisill remained unwavering in his faith, determined to care for new settlers' spiritual and physical needs. He offered employment, guidance, and leadership, becoming a pillar of the growing Lutheran community. His open heart and generosity were known far and wide. Rev. Sauer later recalled that when settlers felt lost, they turned to Rudisill, known for his kindness and willingness to help.
But Rudisill's dream extended beyond Fort Wayne—he wanted to build a Lutheran future in America. That opportunity came when he connected with Wilhelm Loehe, a pastor in Neuendettelsau, Germany, who shared his vision. Loehe, recognizing the desperate need for trained Lutheran pastors in the U.S., conceived a plan: a school to train "emergency helpers" of young men with basic education, but eager to serve in ministry.
From this vision, Concordia Theological Seminary was born. On August 2, 1846, with Wilhelm Sihler as professor and president, the seminary opened with 11 students, all sent by Loehe. The school quickly grew, securing land and buildings with financial backing from Loehe and his supporters. This institution would become a cornerstone of Lutheran theological education, training generations of pastors for service across the country.
Together, Rudisill, Loehe, and Sihler laid the foundation for the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) and secured Fort Wayne's place in Lutheran history. Today, Concordia Theological Seminary remains a vital center for pastoral education, confessional theology, and global mission work, continuing the legacy of faith and perseverance that began nearly two centuries ago.
Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne-CTSFW
This image comes from the Harter Postcard Collection in our Community Album.