Southern Nursing Research Society

Abstract ID Number: 133

THE BALTIMORE LUTHERAN DEACONESS MOTHERHOUSE: DEFINING A GERMAN OR AMERICAN MODEL IN 1895

Poster Presentation

Purpose of study: The purpose of this study was to: (1) examine the German influences of the Kaiserswerth model of nursing on the Baltimore Lutheran Deaconess Motherhouse (BLDM) established in 1895; and (2) describe the deaconess nurse’s work. This research is part of a larger project examining the deaconess training, experiences and nursing care and constructing a history from the woman’s point-of-view 1893 - 1918.

Rationale and significance: Nineteenth century deaconesses were notable for the introduction of nursing to nineteenth century religious and secular women desiring socially acceptable vocations in the community. Beginning in 1895, Baltimore deaconesses were distinguished by parish work that combined nursing, spirituality, and social care. Researching how deaconesses worked out of parishes and provided nursing care in communities may identify creative initiatives adaptable to the twenty-first century.

Description of Methodology: The study used historical methods and a social history framework. All data were reviewed using the measures of external and internal criticism.

Identification of Primary and Secondary Sources: Primary sources included meeting minutes, deaconess diaries, motherhouse publications, and photographs. Secondary sources included published manuscripts, books, and dissertations. The majority of sources were obtained from archival collections of (1) Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Elk Grove Village, IL); and (2) Lutheran Seminary of Gettysburg (PA).

Findings and Conclusions: The Baltimore Lutheran Deaconess Motherhouse and Training School was the sixth of seven Lutheran motherhouses established in America before 1900, and was fully organized and directed by the General Synod for the purpose of training young women for “practical work”, and to supply congregations with deaconesses. The German deaconess model provided a template for motherhouses in America with the BLDM making adaptations that considered geographic, cultural, and social norms.

Known for their Parish Work, the Baltimore deaconesses worked out of the church setting providing a unique combination of physical, spiritual, and social care, and served as aids to the pastor. Similar to male clergy, deaconesses were recognized as having an office and ministry in the church, and provided women with opportunities for employment that were denominationally and socially acceptable. As identified in the women’s diaries, intentionality was given to religious instruction and spiritual support to sustain the deaconesses and their work. This same intentional spiritual support is necessary to nurture and sustain persons involved in service and ministry, such as Parish/Faith Community Nurses today.