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Moravian Archives, , Pa. This Month in Moravian History

Issue 65 June 2011 Zinzendorf’s Exile at Ronneburg Castle in 1736 and the Establishment of the Pilgergemeine

“The lamp burns bright although it is small.” in mission across So described the spirit of the Europe and America early Pilgrim congregation (Pilgergemeine) while in exile, fol- assembled at Ronneburg Castle in the Wetterau lowed by the ever- region of in June of 1736. This month present Pilgrim con- marks the 275th anniversary of Zinzendorf’s gregation, comprised move to the Ronneburg on June 12, 1736, of his wife, Erdmuth following his exile from , and the subse- Dorothea, and a core quent establishment of the Pilgrim congregation. group of leaders that came and In the Zinzendorf and his young re- went according to ligious community gained both friends and their missions. Its foes as the Moravian movement spread members lived com- across Europe. Mounting opposition led to munally and were View of the Ronneburg, 1848, drawing by an unidentified American Zinzendorf’s banishment from Saxony on unsalaried, either self- Moravian (MAB). March 20, 1736, while he and his wife trav- supporting or eled in Holland. The new Saxon King receiving support through Zinzendorf’s Although retained the Frederick Augustus III banished Zinzendorf estates, gifts or loans. Each member was Ronneburg for a while, Zinzendorf remained in absentia following a complaint from the prepared to “go anywhere at any time for only until the end of July 1736; his wife, Saxon Baron Huldenberg of Neukirch that any purpose in the service of the Lamb.” children and other members of their circle his vassals had been enticed away from his For a time Ronneburg Castle served as moved out in October. A group of single service by Zinzendorf to join the “fanatics” the home base of the Pilgrim congregation. men continued to live there and Zinzendorf at . It was a half-ruined castle located in returned on occasion. Another notable Rather than be disheartened, Zinzendorf Wetteravia, a poor region east of Frankfurt, event at the Ronneburg was Zinzendorf’s embraced his refugee status, comparing it to which due to its poverty welcomed tenants first episcopal act as a newly ordained ’s earthly journey. “I have learnt by of various religious views. According to : the of Peter Böhler on experience that there is happiness in being Hamilton, the Ronneburg was a “wild and December 15, 1737. Zinzendorf’s lease at home everywhere, as He was who passed forbidding place” inhabited by fifty-six fami- agreement for the Ronneburg can be found most of His life as a pilgrim and in exile.” In lies considered social outcasts. Christian at the Moravian Archives in Bethlehem. this spirit Zinzendorf established the Pilgrim David considered it uninhabitable, but congregation, a small group of his closest Zinzendorf saw the potential for Christian followers set on a vast evangelistic campaign mission, even denying a seemingly better to find and make visible a community of offer of refuge from the nearby town of Sources awakened drawn from all denomina- Gelnhausen: “I listened to their nice compli- Sources: Hahn and Reichel, Zinzendorf und die tions. He announced, “the time has come to ments...and then went confidently to my Herrnhuter Brüder, (1977); Hamilton & Hamilton: gather the Pilgrim Congregation and to wild palace,” which he described as “very History of the , (1967); A.J. Lewis, preach the Savior to the whole world. Our splendid for a disciple.” Within a few days Zinzendorf, The Ecumenical Pioneer, (1962); Span- home will be that place where at the - Zinzendorf started preaching, distributing genberg, Life of Nicolaus Lewis Count Zinzendorf, ment our Savior has most for us to do.” bread and alms to the poor and setting up translated by Samuel Jackson, (1838). Over the next ten years Zinzendorf engaged schools for the local children. www.moravianchurcharchives.org