Gunn Bungalow and Rev. Walter Gunn

The Reverend Walter Gunn was the first missionary from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the United States, who had fallen in foreign field. The Mission house built by Father Heyer was partly demolished by a severe storm in October, 1846. A new bungalow was erected immediately with the contributions received from Mr. J. Henry Stokes, Collector of Guntur, a kind hearted godly person. Foreign Missionary Society provided funds to complete the building into which Rev. Gunn and his family moved on July 20, 1847. Famously known as Gunn bungalow, this was a home for many missionaries from which they carried on extensive mission work. The early Lutheran Church known as Stork Memorial Church was built in Gunn Compound.

Walter Gunn was born in Montague, Massachusetts. Later he moved to New York in 1833. After getting converted at a religious meeting held in New York in 1837, Walter Gunn connected himself with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Schoharie. He had a strong desire to preach gospel to the heathen. In order to qualify himself for the foreign missionary field, he studied in Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. He was ordained in 1843 and was appointed missionary to India. He was married to Lorena Pultz in 1843 before sailing for India. In November 1843 he embarked with Mrs. Gunn in a ship at Boston for India.

Rev. and Mrs. Gunn arrived in Guntur on June 18, 1844 and immediately joined the mission started by Father Heyer. He remained a faithful and indefatigable co-laborer for seven years till his death. The entire Lutheran mission work in Guntur fell on his shoulders when Father Heyer returned to the United States. Though Mrs. Gunn was in charge of schools, the mission task was not easy as the field is filled with so many obstacles, so much prejudice against Christianity, and opposition to the truth. In 1849 they lost their youngest child in Guntur. However, they were encouraged by their faith in the promises of the gospel. His zeal for the Lord was so much that it was noted on one occasion in the Guntur bazaar, he became so indignant at some idolatrous performances of the heathen, that he lifted up his voice in great earnest against the idolaters who became exasperated at him and consequently proceeded to pelt him with stones.

He loved the cause, labored patiently and cheerfully with unremitting diligence. After 7 years of extensive service, his health declined. Reverend Walter Gunn died from Tuberculosis and was buried in Guntur Cemetery.