Dr C.F. Graebner

On Sunday morning, June 5 1949, the Concordia community learnt of the death of Dr C.F. Graebner, the first principal of  Concordia in Adelaide, at the age of 86.
Dr Graebner, who was born in Missouri, U.S.A. in 1862, was called to Australia in 1903.  He first worked at Concordia in Murtoa, and from 1905 served at Concordia College, Highgate.  He resigned as principal in 1939 at the age 76, but chose to continue as a lecturer and president of the seminary.

The funeral took place on Tuesday June 7. Lessons ended at the College at 10am. Dr Graebner’s body lay in state before the altar in the chapel, with seminary students standing guard.  During the morning students filed past the coffin to pay their last respects.

There were over 30 cars in the procession to West Terrace cemetery, and students were transported in two special trams. A guard of honour was then formed at the cemetery as Dr Graebner’s remains were carried to their final resting place.