In 2023, Guardians of St. Luke’s Church and Cemetery, Inc. was established by the Board of Trustees of the St Luke’s Evangelical Church of Cloud and Jewell Counties, Kansas.  This new nonprofit corporation is charged with conserving, protecting and maintaining the St. Luke’s Church building and cemetery in rural Jewell County. 

St. Luke’s Church was organized in December 1874. The need for a church cemetery arose within days and land for a new cemetery was set aside. Charter member Morens F. Brechan was recorded as buried there on January 8, 1875. St. Luke’s Cemetery was dedicated in July 1875.

In 1882, a limestone church was constructed next to the cemetery, followed by building additions completed in 1896 and 1913. Declining membership led to the closing of the church in December 1956. Descendants of church members continued to maintain both the church building and the cemetery. While the church building now needs major repairs, St. Luke’s Cemetery remains an active cemetery maintained and managed by the Board of Directors.

Guardians of St. Luke’s Church and Cemetery, Inc. is recognized as a Not-for-Profit Corporation by the State of Kansas. As a tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) public charity, the nonprofit is qualified to receive tax-deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts. Donations may be made to the Guardians of St. Luke’s Church and Cemetery, Inc. General Fund or the Non-Endowed Fund for Guardians of St. Luke’s Church and Cemetery thru the Jewell County Community Foundation. Both funds allow access to donations and earnings while donations to the Endowment Fund remain invested long-term.

An endowment fund has been established for Guardians of St. Luke’s Church and Cemetery through the Jewell County Community Foundation.