TheThe SteubenSteuben NewsNews A Newspaper by German-Americans for All Americans

VOL. 89 NO. 1 DUTY • JUSTICE • CHARITY • TOLERANCE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 express community soli- darity and pride in the city’s past and present. “New Ulm’s connection to southwest Germany (pre)determines public rep- resentation and commodi- fication of an authentic ‘Germaness’ in America over time” the article con- cludes. “Geographische Rundschau” (Geographic Magazine), March 3, 2015, pp. 28 - 35, carries an arti- cle titled “Deutsche im amerikanischen Mittelwesten” [Germans in the American Midwest]. The article, written in Artistʼs rendering of what the National Museum of the American People would look like in Washington, DC German, reports on German immigration to the Congressional Letter Asks Obama for Museum Midwest between 1820 Honoring All the American People and 1910, and its status in Chairman Herbert Strunk of the New Braunfels Unit of the Steuben Society of America presented the Comanche Nation Recently, 11 Members of Congress asked the President to create a com- 2010. Beginning on page with a special plaque honoring the friendship between mission to study a museum dedicated to the making of the American People. The 32 New Ulm is highlighted German immigrants and the Comanches. See article next National Museum of the American People would tell the full story of every eth- as “Deutschland in page nic, nationality and minority group that came to this land and nation from the first Amerika: New Ulm, Minnesota." Photos of the Hermann Monument, German- humans in the Western Hemisphere through today. Bohemian Immigrants Monument, Glockenspiel, and Defenders Monument are The letter to President Obama says the museum “would take full advan- prominent. Also illustrating the city's Germanic heritage are photos of local signs tage of emerging technologies and provide visitors with an engaging and interac- such as the Mietwaschsalon, Guten Tag Haus, German Strasse Condominiums, tive experience. The museum would be a living, dynamic institution, less reliant Marktplatz Mall, Haar Friseure, Kaiserhoff, and the B & L Bar as a German Bar. on artifacts and more concerned with the narrative and the mosaic of people that “Places of German background such as the city of New Ulm, Minnesota are have and continue to contribute to our national identity.” dynamic sites of ethnic identity and cultural representation influenced by local and “Now, more than ever, it is essential to remember and understand that broader developments” the analysis concludes. people from every land built this country,” said the letter, “and we are stronger for The author of both articles is Dr. Stephan Fuchs, educated at the our multicultural, pluralistic history.” The museum, says the letter, “would help University of Erlangen, and now a Professor at the Geographisches Institut, foster a sense of belonging, contribute to our national identity, and help unify Universität Heidelberg, in rather than divide.” Germany. Dr. Fuchs visited New Sen. Brian Schatz, HI, was the lead on the letter. It was signed by Reps. Ulm conducting his research in Eliot Engel, NY; Donald Beyer, Jr., VA; Alcee Hastings, FL; Marcy Kaptur, OH; 2009, and again in September of Barbara Lee, CA; Charles Rangel, NY; Eleanor Holmes Norton, DC; Earl 2014 when he spoke on this subject Blumenauer, OR; Ruben Hinojosa, TX; and David Cicilline, RI. at the New Ulm Public Library. A study commission is how major museums in Washington get their start New Ulm, MN is the most such as the U.S. Holocaust Museum and the African American Museum. Backers German city in the US. The most want to build the American People Museum about three blocks off of the National well-known landmark is the Mall in Southwest Washington on a National Park Service site that has been des- Hermann Monument. ignated as a future site for a museum.

DEUTSCHLAND IN AMERIKA: NEW ULM, MN by George L. Glotzbach PERMIT #12 PAID US POSTAGE BULK RATE The city of New Ulm, Minnesota is the most German city in America. THIRD CLASS

The 2000 census of the United States showed that 66% of its citizens claimed 11790 BROOK, NY STONY Germanic ancestry. Now, two current academic studies have focused on New Ulm. The “Journal of Historical Geography” #48, 2015, pp. 11 - 25, carries an article titled “History and heritage of two Midwestern towns: a toponymic-mate- rial [place names] approach.”This article shows how place names and physical

The Steuben Society of America is N aspects of place are closely connected, and provide a unique understanding of pat- dedicated to unite men and women IO terns of history, memory, commemoration, and cultural heritage. New Ulm and T of Germanic origin who share a Eudora, Kansas are depicted. New Ulm monuments such as the Hermann common interest in the positive and Monument, Defenders Monument, German-Bohemian Immigrants Monument,

continued growth of our nation as CORREC and Dr. Albert Einstein Paver are pictured. Place names beginning with the city’s ED SS name itself, German Street, German Park, Goosetown, the Wallachei, and historic well as the preservation of our rich ST plaques illustrate strong German heritage. Events such as Oktoberfest combine to heritage. For more info: www.steubensociety.org Steuben Society of America Suite 217 One South Ocean Ave. NY 11772 Patchogue, ADDRE REQUE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 THE STEUBEN NEWS Page 2 The Roll Call is Called, minates into Fasching week which begins the week Carnival/Mardi Gras parade der Karnevalsumzug (-züge) before Ash Wednesday. Carnival/Mardi Gras prince der Karnevalsprinz (-en) They Do Not Answer Carnival/Mardi Gras princess die Karnevalsprinzessin (-nen) May they Rest in Peace! 3. How Is It Celebrated? clown, fool, jester der Jeck (-en), der Narr (-en) Soon after Fasching season opens, a mock costume (n.) das Kostüm (-e), die Verkleidung (-en) The following names were read at the government of eleven guilds (Zünfte) are elected, along to wear a costume ein Kostüm tragen, sich verkleiden Memorial Service at the Wartburg in with a carnival prince and princess who basically plan costumed, in costume (adj.) verkleidet November, 2015 the carnival festivities. The biggest festivities are held the fifth season die fünfte Jahreszeit (Karneval) the week before Ash Wednesday as follows: float (n.) der Festwagen The NY State Council remembers Br Erwin Weiberfastnacht - Thursday before Ash fool, clown, jester der Jeck (-en), der Narr (-en) Bandikow (December 2013) Formerly Chairman Wednesday. This is mainly an event held in the fool's /jester's cap die Narrenkappe (-n), die Narrenmütze (-n) of the Hermann Koch Unit No 72, Rhineland. The day begins with women storming into foolish, silly (adj.) närrisch and symbolically taking over city hall. Then, women the foolish/silly season die närrische Saison (Karneval and the period lead- The Pastorius Unit No. 38, Philadelphia, PA throughout the day will snip off men's ties and kiss any ing up to Shrove Tuesday) Is Mourning the loss of Dr. George Beichl (Feb man that passes their way. The day ends with people guild die Zunft (Zünfte) 2015) going to local venues and bars in costume. fool's /jester's guild (Carnival guilds or societies organize and run the sea- Parties, Celebrations and Parades - People will son's events). die Narrenzunft The Henry Steinway Unit No.66, Patchogue, NY celebrate in costume at various carnival community jester, clown, fool der Jeck (-en), der Narr (-en) is mourning the loss of Br Wilford Coleman events and individual parties. Carnival parades abound, Krewe (New Orleans) die Zunft (Zünfte) it is literally the weekend for people to live it up. Mardi Gras guilds/societies in New Orleans are called "Krewes." The Senator Robert Wagner Unit No 165, Islip, Rosenmontag - The largest and most popular Lent, the Lenten season die Fastenzeit NY Remembers: Adlinde Stahl ( 2014), carnival parades take place on the Monday before Ash Lent, the 40-day Fastenzeit begins on Ash Wednesday (Aschermittwoch and and Patricia Kensler (Oct 2015) Wednesday. These parades come mostly from the ends at Easter (Ostern). Rhineland region. People throughout the German- mask die Maske (-n); In some regions, rules and tradition require that The Dr. Charles Gilbert Spross Unit No 167, speaking countries will tune in to watch the biggest Karnevalmasken be hand-carved and made only of wood. Poughkeepsie, NY is mourning the loss of German carnival parade of all which is held in Cologne. Parade der Umzug (Umzüge) Br Walter Werner Gross (May 2013) Fastnachtsdienstag - Besides some parades Rose Monday der Rosenmontag; Rose Monday parade der Br Arthur Kalble (December 2013) which are held on this day, you have the burial or burn- Rosenmontagumzug Sr Rita Ilaria (January 2014) ing of the Nubbel. A Nubbel is a life-size doll made of This is the big parade day for Karneval in Cologne, while Fasching Sr Evelyn Blatz (September 2014) straw that embodies all of the sins committed during in the south reaches its climax on Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras, "fat and Br John Bahrenburg (January 2015) carnival season. It is buried or burned with great cere- Tuesday"). Rosenmontag actually has nothing to do with roses, but is derived mony on Tuesday evening before everyone parties one from rasen, to rave or rage! The John Peter Zenger Unit No 212, Hicksville, more time till Ash Wednesday arrives. Shrove Tuesday der Fastnachtsdienstag, der Faschingsdienstag NY is mourning Sr. Tillie Simolin (2014) and Sr. Women's Carnival/Thursday der Weiberfastnacht; On the last Thursday Louis Seifert (2015) 4. How Did This Celebration Originate? before Fastnacht, also called Fastelabend, Schmutziger Donnerstag or Fasching or Karnival celebrations stem from Schmotzige Dunschstig, women play pranks such as cutting off men's ties. The Peter Muehlenberg Unit No 398, Clark, NJ various beliefs and needs. For Catholics, it provided a Other names for Weiberfastnacht: Dorendonderdach, feister Phinztag, Mourns the loss of Br Vincent Ridley and Sr festive season of food and fun before the Lenten fasting gumpiger Donstag, kleine Fastnacht (Oberrhein), fetter Donnerstag, schwer- Shirley Grenz period would begin. During the late medieval times, er Donnerstag (Rheinland), Semperstag, tumbe Fassnacht, unsinniger plays were performed during the Lenten period called Donnerstag, Weiberdonnerstag, wuetig Donnerstag, Wuscheltag (Basel), The Dr. Gottlieb C Berkemeier Unit No. 985. Fastnachtspiele. Zemperstag, Zimpertag. Westchester County, NY Remembers Br. Leo In pre-Christian times, carnival celebrations Excerpted from german.about.com Hazebrok (2013) and Sr. Johanna Kraft. It also symbolized the driving out of winter and all of its evil ************************************************************* mourns Br NY State Senator Royden Letsen spirits. Hence the masks to "scare" away these spirits. (May 2014) and Br Karl Trach (Oct 2014) STEUBEN SOCIETY HONORS COMANCHE NATION The carnival celebrations in southern Germany and On September 30, 2015, at the Comanche Nation’s Tribal Complex Switzerland reflect these traditions. The Vogler-Schmitt Unit No 998. Huntington, auditorium in Lawton, Oklahoma, Chairman Herbert Strunk of the Prince Further, we have carnival traditions that can be Solms von Braunfels Unit, representing the members of the Steuben Society NY Mourns the loss of Br John Brinskelle traced back to historical events. After the French of Br Gunther Hertwig and of Sr Irmgard Nostro of America, delivered a moving introduction to a tribal assembly of more Revolution, the French took over Rhineland. Out of than a hundred, then presented a beautiful plaque to Mrs. Charlotte protest against French oppression, Germans from McCurtain, a director of the Comanche Nation. Asked to read the plaque’s The Prince Solms von Braunsfeld Unit No 1845 Cologne and surrounding areas would mock their politi- Braunsfeld, TX remembers in prayer fondly Mrs. inscription, Herbert’s recital brought tears to Mrs. McCurtain’s eyes. A great cians and leaders safely behind masks during carnival applause was then given to Chairman Strunk. As the clapping subsided, the Joyce Hill, (October 2015) the beloved spouse of season. Even today, caricatures of politicians and other Br Otto Hermann Hill Comanches let loose with a deafening whistle that echoed across the hall, personalities can be seen boldly portrayed on floats in affirming that the members present gratefully accepted the German- ************************************ the parades. Fasching in Germany And Other American belated thank you. The plaque read: The Steuben Society was founded in 1919 in New York City to German-Speaking Countries 5. What Do The Oft Repeated Expressions 'Helau' unite German-American citizens in the preservation of their culture. Today, by Ingrid Bauer German Language Expert and 'Alaaf' Mean? it is a great honor to show our gratitude to the Comanche Nation for signing http://german.about.com/od/culture/tp/Faschi Basically, these expressions are carnival cries a friendship treaty with German pioneers that was never broken, allowing ng-In-Germany.htm to state either the beginn of a carnival event or greetings Germans in 1847 to live among you on your sacred hunting grounds. During declared among carneval participants. See more about those golden years when German settlers were working the land, the 1. What Is Fasching? these cries and related carnival vocabulary in Fasching Actually, a more precise question would Glossary below: contʼd next page be: What is Fasching, Karneval, Fastnacht, Carnival or Mardi Gras goes by many names in Fasnacht, Fastelabend? They are all one and the German, depending on the region and dialect. Whether same thing: pre-Lenten festivities celebrated in you call it Fastnacht, Fasching or Karneval, it is a time grand style in mostly the predominantly Catholic for revelry, humor, and satire. Although its origins go regions of the German-speaking countries. The back to ancient pagan times, it is the Romans and the Rhineland has its Karneval, Austria, Bavaria and Italians to whom the Germans owe many aspects of Berlin calls theirs Fasching, and the German their celebration. The former Roman settlements of Swiss celebrate Fastnacht. Cologne, Bonn and Mainz still celebrate Karneval. The German words for "Carnival" vary by 2. When Is It Celebrated? region. Karneval is from Latin. Fasching and Fastnacht Fasching, also nicknamed fünfte are Germanic. In general, German cities that were once Jahreszeit or närrische Saison by Germans, offi- Roman settlements (Cologne, Rhineland) use the Latin cially begins in most regions in Germany on the Karneval, while non-Roman areas in the south use the eleventh of November at 11:11 am or the day Germanic Fasching or Fastnacht. after Dreikönigstag, so on January 7th. The big Carnival (rhyming) speech die Büttenrede (-n) bash celebrations are however not on the same is the tradition of humorous, rhyming. Büttenreden began in Cologne. An entire industry, complete with given date each year, instead the date varies L-R Richie Odorfer and Mrs. Charlotte McCurtain, Director of the Comanche depending on when Easter is held. Fasching cul- books and Web sites, has grown up around it. Nation (see page bottom of this page for story) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 THE STEUBEN NEWS Page 3 Comanche Steuben Society Ceremony easier to do so. http://compgen.genealogy.net/ cont’d from previous page If these ideas do not work for you, start GenWiki English language, close to the Comanche Nation helped and protected their German friends. Such noble looking for obituaries, and birth & death German “Verein für acts of kindness was unprecedented in German-American History - that records for their spouses, children, or siblings, Computergenealogie e.V.”, but not an of another ethnic group ever helping Germans. Therefore, in the year of and occasionally parents. Do not give up after exact copy can be found at http://wiki- our Lord, 2015, the Steuben Society of America very sincerely thanks the the first one or two tries. If there were six chil- en.genealogy.net/Main_Page Comanche Nation from our hearts. Dankeschoen. We pray that God will dren, perhaps only one will have the specific If you have questions about always bless you wonderful people. information you are looking for. specific areas, you can contact me at: Another place to look is at organiza- [email protected] The Meusebach-Comanche Treaty in Texas: tions your ancestor belonged to. Sometimes, In 1847, Meusebach-Comanche Treaty was signed between German set- newspapers carry biographies of well known 225 YEARS: A HISTORY OF tlers in Texas and the Comanche. For further information see the follow- persons, or there will be advertisements to let ZION EVANGELICAL ing links for the background history of this treaty: relatives know of recent arrivals, or even LUTHERAN CHURCH https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meusebach–Comanche_Treaty human interest stories. OLDWICK, NEW JERSEY At times, having enough specific infor- https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/mgm01 excerpted and edited from the mation on a person will be enough to find them http://www.texascooppower.com/texas-stories/history/the- original text by John H. Munnich in an emigrant database such as the one, for unbroken-peace-treaty (c) August 14, 1939 those from Oldenburg. www.auswanderer-old- Oldwick, New Jersey http://www.sansabachc.org/Markers/comanche_indian_treaty.htm enburg.de The Niedersachsen Archive has listings http://www.texasescapes.com/JefferyRobenalt/Meusebach- While our forefathers were of some of their emigrants online at: Comanche-Treaty.htm founding a little church for worship in www.arcinsys.niedersachsen.de/arcinsys/start. their new frontier home, great events action ***************************************************** were in the making in Europe and in the The Hessen Archive has listings at: Genealogy Corner: German Research American colonies. Zion Church in https://arcinsys.hessen.de/arcinsys/start Oldwick, NJ was born exactly three by Barbara DeOliveira The Baden-Württemberg Archive has quarters of a century before the birth of In order to do German research, you will have to know from listings at: http://www.auswanderer-bw.de/six- the United States. Our church and our where in Germany your family comes. In many families, this information cms/detail.php?template=a_artikel&id=6441& country have grown up together. gets lost after a couple of generations. There is no magic formula that will sprache=de So we see that this was a time find this for you. It takes work. The German Emigrant Database when not only our church was founded, You will have to start searching where you are. In the U.S., the (DAD) has listings at http://www.deutsche- but when in Europe and America a new 1910 & 1930 census forms, it asks for the country of birth. If your ances- auswanderer-datenbank.de/ age and a new civilization was emerg- tor was born prior to 1871 (the date of German Unification), and you are Austrian genealogy has listings at: ing. fortunate to have had a conscientious enumerator, you may find which www.familia-austria.at/index.php/forschung- kingdom, grand duchy, duchy, or principality they came from. But this is und-service/netzrecherche/132-beitraege/754- JUSTUS FALCKNER (1714 - 1723) only the beginning; the records you will need are kept at the local level. auswanderung The First pastor As you work your way backwards in your search, you will come Miscellaneous lists at: The Pastor who officiated at to your immigrant ancestor. If he/she came here after 1924, you can con- http://www.rambow.de/auswandererlisten.html the first service was Justus Falckner. tact the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Once you have discovered the location This distinguished minister of Christ Services). After that date, those wishing to come to the U.S. had to apply from which your family originated, you can was born in Germany, the son and at the nearest Consular Office for a visa. look for the local records. Since Jan 1, 2009 in grandson of Lutheran clergymen. After If not, you can try to locate naturalization records, or passenger Germany, a new personal status law in force. studying theology, he came to America lists. Most Bremen emigrant records were destroyed. You can find some The law provides that documents can be in the employ of a company dealing in 1904-1914 records at FamilySearch.org and 1920-1939 at Die Maus. released after the expiry of fixed periods. real estate in Pennsylvania. There, he Sporadic records prior to 1904 can be found extracted from other records, Affected are: Births books that are older than was influenced by the Swedish and recorded in books. Hamburg emigrant records may be found at 110 years (vintages up to 1905) Marriage Lutherans to enter the ministry. He was Ancestry.com for the period 1850-1934. (They are in German.) books, which are older than 80 years (vintages the first Protestant ordained in up to 1935) Death books, which are older than America. His ordination service was You can also find miscellaneous records from ISTG (Immigrant 30 years. (Vintages to 1985) prophetic of America in its mingling of Ships Transcriber’s Guild) at: www:http://immigrantships.net/ and Generally speaking, for the period after races and tongues, for the young NYS Chairlady Barbara DeOliveira celebrates her birth- http://www.olivetreege- 1876 you need to look for the Civil Registry day with Abby, her newborn greatgranddaughter nealogy.com/Ships Office. Prior to that time you will need to find contʼd next page The book series church records. “Germans to America” General is flawed. Only ships information site for carrying more than German genealogy: 80% of passengers with Verein für German names are list- Computergenealogie ed. Add to this the trou- e.V. (German lan- ble the compilers had in guage genealogy site: reading names off the passenger lists, makes it difficult to locate the Zion Church in people you are search- Oldwick, NJ where ing for. Pastor Muhelenberg Also keep in led his congregation mind, many Germans left from non-German ports such as Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Southampton. Southern Germans in particular found that JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 THE STEUBEN NEWS Page 4 ZION CHURCH: Contʼd tax load. people in their first worship service in already been separated from him for from previous page To the Palatines, in their their new homeland. No doubt the two years. The people of Pluckemin despair, came word that Queen Anne of Lord's supper was administered and a were also ready to receive his resigna- German was ordained by the Church of England wished settlers for her long sermon was preached. tion, and an unsuccessful candidate was Sweden to serve the Dutch Lutherans American colonies and would provide In this first service of Zion, the heard. Berkenmeyer, who succeeded of New York City. The service was passage, in return for which naval stores officiating pastor was the first Justus Falckner in New York, arranged attended by Indians and English peo- were to be made for the new fatherland. Protestant clergyman ever ordained in a call for a Pastor for the reunited ple. 13,000 Palatines responded! America; its first baptism was also the Raritan parish. The Lutheran settlers of The following figures hint at the epic first baptism of a German child in New Hunterdon and Somerset Counties had story of their immigration. All were set- Jersey; it was the first service of the JOHN AUGUSTUS WOLF hardly arrived before Falckner tled temporarily in a hastily built tent oldest active New Jersey Lutheran (1734 - 1745) appeared to call them to worship. Once city in London. Anne, unprepared for Church; it was the first service of the It was not until 1734 that the each summer he came here by boat and such a multitude, could not provide congregation which today worships in Reverend John Augustus Wolf arrived horseback to administer the sacraments against the starvation and disease which the oldest New Jersey Lutheran Church from Germany in answer to the call. and preach the gospel to the Lutherans decimated them. After frantic efforts, building. It was unique for the further Wolf was a character totally unfit for on the Raritan River. His visits were they were disposed of in these ways. reason that a white congregation was the office of the ministry. It was only a events of high importance to our pio- 3,000 Catholics were sent back to then founded in the home of a negro. few months until he entered into a neering ancestors. Germany. Of the remaining, all The site of this service was in the vicin- series of disputes with the congrega- Dr. Graebner, the Lutheran his- Protestant, 3,000 were colonized in ity of the present Henry store in tions concerning salary, parsonage, and torian describes Falckner as follows: Ireland, 1,000 were absorbed into the Potterstown. his personal conduct. To settle these "A particularly amiable, heart-winning English population, 650 were sent to During the nine years of Justus disputes, the first Lutheran Synod held personality it is, which in Pastor Justus North Carolina, hundreds went into the Falckner's pastorate, a comparatively on American soil was convened in this Falckner presents itself before our eyes army and navy, a thousand died small number of Lutherans was spread parish. The delegates and pastors were during his twenty years of active life; a wretchedly. Only 3,000 sailed for the over a wide space. The whole area as follows: from New York, Rev. man of excellent gifts, of fine acquire- promised land. Disease claimed 500 of received a one or two-day visit once a Berkenneyer, Charles Beekman, Jacob ments, of lovely temper, of fervently them before 2,000 were finally settled year from its Pastor. In the meantime Bos; from Hackensack, Rev. Knoll, devout disposition, decided in his on the Hudson River naval stores proj- the religious life of the members was John Van Norden, Abraham Van Lutheranism, diligent and persevering ect. Many of the other 500, including left under the guidance of laymen prob- Buskirk; from Uylekill, Peter in the pursuit of his calling - in a word, the charter members of Zion Church, ably appointed or elected for this work. Frederick; from Potterstown, Rev. a perfect pastor." came into New Jersey. What refugees of The large parish began to subdivide Wolf, Baltes Pickel, Lawrence history have endured more or hoped as itself according to geography and lead- Roelofson; from Pluckemin, Daniel The Parish much as these men and women of the ership. All services were held in private Shoemaker, Hendrick Smith. The Let us look at the parish he first Palatine immigration? homes. Synod resulted in a peace which was entered in 1714. This part of Hunterdon The faithful Falckner wrote short lived, and Wolf continued to men- County was a wilderness, practically down in his parish records between DANIEL FALCKNER (1723 - 1734) ace the congregation's spiritual welfare untouched by axe or plow. Indians were 1714 and 1723 the names of 110 people At his death, the first Pastor of until 1745. living peacefully in their several local in this parish -- infants, parents, and Zion was succeeded by his brother Henry Melchior Muehlenberg villages, where they remained until the sponsors. Most of them were Palatines. Daniel. This elder brother had settled in came from Philadelphia in that year in big exodus a generation later. The land These families compose the list and 1694 near Philadelphia with a group of response to our ancestors’ appeals, and which had been purchased from them constituted, undoubtedly, the bulk of the religious fanatics who are known to his- disposed of the matter with his accus- was being parceled out by wealthy congregation during his pastorate: tory as the "Hermits of the tomed dispatch and justice. Wolf left English and Scotch proprietors to actu- Appelman, Braun, Day, Dippel, Fuchs, Wissahickon." In 1700, he returned immediately. al settlers from Great Britain, Ireland, Hanschutt, Hendershott, Ferman, from a visit to Europe, bringing with During Wolf's pastorate, the Holland, and Germany. How recently Kastner, Kremer, Langman, Messner, him his brother and a commission as parish had its own school and school- these settlers had come is indicated by Niedbber, Pickel, Poel, Puff, Rickman, agent of the Frankfort Land Company. master, and it built or purchased a par- the fact that there was only one settler Reinbol, Reimer, Risch, Rose, In 1708, he succeeded Pastorius as sonage. The forms of worship used by in Readington Township before 1712. Roseboom, Ruxloffsen, Simthinger, Burgomaster of Germantown. the New York churches for the holy In other words, Zion's first members Spader, Stein, Schmidt, Schoemacher, After that his name is lost until communion, marriage, burial, church- were establishing a church for the care Schwalb, Theuss, Tittel, Van Guinea, 1724, when he was holding together his ing of women, etc., were in use here. of their souls before they had had time Vogt, Weidnecht, Wimmer, Weber. brother's congregations on the Hudson Dutch and German were the languages enough to provide for the housing, River. In the church book at West Camp of the services. clothing, and feeding of their bodies. The First Service he wrote that he had been called as pas- The location of the first service tor to Pluckemin and Millstone. These The People is eloquent of democracy and two congregations sent money in 1727 Most of the charter members of Christianity. It was held in a negro's to the New York Lutherans for their continued on pg 8 the church were Germans from the home. Aree von Guinea was born in new church. Rhenish Palatinate. They constituted a Dutch Guiana, Africa. Slave hunters By 1731 the Lutherans of The inside of Zion Church small offstream from the largest wave captured him and sold him in New York Whitehouse and Potterstown had of immigration to come into America in City. In 1705, he and his wife were Colonial days, - the real beginning of members of the Lutheran Church in the flood of Germans who poured into New York. He gained his freedom and our country to change the course of was living in the Raritan valley as early American history and affect the temper as 1708. He is known to have been a of the American personality. The tellers property owner at the time of Zion's first of American History are only now service, but because of a law prohibiting beginning to sing the epic of the ownership of property by slaves, the Palatine Refugees. deed was not transferred to his name In their homeland, a series of until 16 years later. He was a faithful disastrous wars through a century in Christian, honored by his neighbors, time had climaxed at last in a war more and as we shall see, was a good steward disastrous than the rest. As if the phys- of the property entrusted him by ical and spiritual poverty of prolonged Providence. warfare were not enough, their burdens In his home on August 1st, were pressed heavier by a legend-mak- 1714, Zion Church was born. The dis- ing bitter winter and by an impossible tinguished New York pastor here led the JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 THE STEUBEN NEWS Page 5

Chairman’s Message: The purpose of the Steuben Society of America is to educate the public about matters of interest to Dear Steuben Brothers and Sisters and Friends: American citizens of German descent and their families, to encourage their participation in civic Hope that you all had a wonderful holiday season that affairs and to perpetuate and enhance the understanding of the contributions made by such citizens to the development of the United States you enjoyed with family and friends. The year 2015 was a positive year for the society ending with a beautiful memo- rial service at the Wartburg United Lutheran Church at Mt The Steuben News VOL. 89 NO. 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 Vernon, New York remembering our deceased Steuben EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICES: One South Ocean Avenue, Suite 217, Patchogue, NY 11772 PHONE: 631-730-5111 Brothers and Sisters. EDITOR & ART DIRECTOR: Christine Lynn Harvey STEUBEN NEWS COMMITTEE: Ilse Hoffmann, Peter Hoffmann, Marilyn Harvey, Elyse Land, Robert Land E.O., Barbara DeOliveira This was sponsored by the New York State Council STEUBEN NEWS CONTRIBUTORS: Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann, Siegfried Bette, George L. Glotzbach, with Pastor Carol Fryer giving our liturgical program, and Richie Odorfer, Mary Helen Jones, Charlotte & Hans Arndt, Dr. Ann Marie Fuhrig music by organist Jean Boehner and soloist Marsha Cirulli. Subscriptions are $25 per year and are fulfilled by third class mail. The Steuben News is the official publication of The Steuben Society of America. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Steuben News or the Steuben Society of Now that January is here we can move forward with our 2016 plans. America.We reserve the right to refuse, edit or excerpt submissions; we do not guarantee the return of manuscripts or photos unless provided a SASE. We will have our New York State Council and National Council elections in the spring. We are also pleased to have a 97th Anniversary Luncheon this year on May 22. Attention Steuben News Readers Please see details in this newsletter. I hope that you can all support this & Unit Members: event and make it successful. This newsletter reflects not only the voice of the Please be advised that our office can be reached by emailing: German-American community but also the members of our society. Please feel [email protected] free to contribute articles or information on events in your units. Members at Or mail us at: large can also send information to the national office. You can tell us about your Steuben Society of America trips to Germany or milestones in your life. All this information would be 1 S Ocean Avenue, Patchogue, NY 11772 warmly welcomed. Wishing you and your family and friends a happy and Tel 631-730-5111 healthy 2016. His Brewery is the title of a new book earlier for making everything possi- Fraternally yours, by Steuben Society member Dr. Don ble. Bob Land Heinrich Tolzmann. The Wiedemann The day’s celebration ended Brewing Company was the largest at Berlin’s Castle Square, in front of ***************************** brewery south of the Ohio River and a draped monument to be dedicated, In Memory of Gerda Mayer-Wittmann east of the Mississippi River. which commemorated all the events Gerda Mayer-Wittmann was born on September 21, 1924 to Alma The new book tells the story of that led up to the unification of (Siemsen) Rotermund and Carl Rotermund in Bremen, Germany. Her twin sis- the rise, fall, and rebirth of the Germany. Prayers were said first, ter, Edda, survives her in Hamburg, and her elder Wiedemann Brewing Company of then Wilhelm waved his sword. Newport, Kentucky. It focuses on the sister, Inge, lives in Bremen. “Amid the thunder of cannons and Married to Karl Matthias Mayer-Wittmann on beer baron, George Wiedemann, who music the wrappings fell off and June 23,1950, they had five children - Diethild, founded the brewery and the dynasty showed the statue of a horse and rider Gerhard, Heide, Elke, and Norbert. Also grieving that presided over it for several genera- are Margaret, Pierre, and Joseph, spouses of tions, creating a legacy that ultimately in bronze. On the steps of the memo- Gerhard, Heide, and Elke. With 14 grandchildren inspired its recent rebirth. It contains rial lay 56 captured French eagles.” and their first great-grandchild born in August of numerous illustrations and is published The 1871 German Empire this year, Gerda's devotion to family far outshined by the Little Miami Publishing Co. of was composed of 25 states with a her significant scholastic achievement of Milford, Ohio, which specializes in population of 42 million souls. Four Doctorate of Engineering with an emphasis on regional history. of which were kingdoms: Prussia, Architecture, where prize awards let buildings Tolzmann has published many Saxony, Bavaria and Wuerttemburg. rise in Germany and the United States, which will stand for many years to books on German heritage, including All of the states accepted Bismarck’s come. Gerda's favored element was all beauty that the eyes let in - with “John A. Roebling and His Bridge on constitution that was written earlier achievements and prizes in oil painting, a knack for all made by hand such a the Ohio River.” He serves as president for Prussia. The people were given sewing and home craft, her devotion to her German heritage through the of the German-American Citizens representation through the Reichstag, Singing Society she formed and led for thirty years, her most favored craft was League, curator of the German made up of 400 delegates elected by that of being a mother and wife. With her strong and creative mind, the norm Heritage Museum, historian of the men 25 years old or older. The was always challenged in search of efficiency, betterment, or creativity. Covington-Cincinnati Suspension Reich’s Kanzler, (chancellor) was Gerda lived a full life of family, travel, art, music, and joy of the day. Bridge Committee, and as a vice-chair- chosen by the Kaiser (emperor) to She will be missed by many who adored her. A Memorial Service took place on man of the Steuben Society run the various departments of the The new book is available from Sunday, November 22, 2015, 2:00 pm, at The First Congregational Church of imperial government, however, the Greenwich, at 108 Sound Beach Avenue in Old Greenwich. the Little Miami Publishing Company emperor was the supreme authority in ******************************* for $12.95. For information, call: 513- the realm, and it was he who had the GERMAN AMERICAN 576-9369, or email: info@littlemiami- last word. CONDUCTOR PASSES books.com Kurt Masur of Harrison, NY and who ***************************** Prince Bismarck’s first acts was the music director of the New York The Soul of Germany as imperial chancellor was to forge Philharmonic Orchestra for 11 years, died on Chapter XIV treaties with Austria and Russia, in Saturday, Dec. 19. He was 88. The Second Empire order to contain any French schemes for revenge. This was accomplished Masur was born on July 11, 1927 in On July 16, 1871, a grand in 1873 with the forming of the Brzeg, Poland, becoming the music director of parade took place in Berlin, the capi- League of Three Emperors, a defen- the Philharmonic when Leonard Bernstein died tal of the newly united German in 1991. He led the Philharmonic until retiring sive pact among Wilhelm of states. Berlin was beautifully deco- in 2002, conducting 909 performances with the Germany, Alexander II of Russia, and rated for the occasion. In spite of a orchestra in total, including guest appearances Franz Josef of Austria. Bismarck’s sweltering heat, the sidewalks over- starting in 1981 and ending in 2012. insistence on lenience with Austria in flowed with cheering people as the Under his direction, the Philharmonic made 17 1866 enabled Berlin and Vienna to victorious army of the Franco- world tours, visiting 75 cities and 30 countries. become partners again. Prussian War marched through the Masur also started the annual Free Memorial Day Concert, introduced the A lasting peace was the Iron Brandenburg Gate. During the cere- Wynton Marsalis and Jazz series at Lincoln Center, and helped the Chancellor’s goal, for he hated war. monies on that glorious day for Philharmonic launch its own recording label. He is survived by his wife, Bismarck had been horrified by the Germany, Emperor Wilhelm awarded Tomoko Sakurai, and son Ken-David. atrocities of the past wars, declaring ***************************** Iron Crosses personally to several that “The man who starts a war with soldiers who had fought with excep- a flick of the pen is a devil….If for- NEW BOOK ON THE WIEDEMANN BREWING COMPANY tional bravery. Chancellor Bismarck George Wiedemann, Northern Kentucky’s Beer Baron: The Man and had been crowned a prince months Contʼd next page JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 THE STEUBEN NEWS Page 6 Reichstag first forbade olution. In 1863, Ferdinand Lassale While Bismarck pioneered social activist religious orders founded the first socialist group in reform, Friedrich Raiffeisen in from teaching , a law Germany. Basically, socialists are Hamm on the Sieg was motivating that eventually for government ownership of pro- people to join together for the com- expelled the Jesuits duction and distribution of goods. mon good, using the phrase: “one for from Germany. Radical socialists believe in the the- all, and all for one.” Hamm estab- Then in successive ories of 19th century German lished the first cooperative, “where years 1873 thru 1875, philosopher Karl Marx, the founder the strong help the weak, to help the Reichstag passed of communism. He preached an themselves.” What started in 1846 as laws during May that atheistic political doctrine of violent a local charitable relief organization, gave the state powers government control of all aspects of grew into credit banks founded in over educating and a citizen’s life and mind. Marx was 1876 by Raiffeisen. By the 20th cen- appointing the clergy expelled from Germany in 1849, tury, 350 million people worldwide that also required the taking asylum in England. would be members of some 650,000 clergy to study theolo- Interestingly, Bismarck had cooperative societies. gy for three years at the befriended the socialist Lassale for In 1881, Germany’s pacts university. The laws years, and noted during their many with Russia and Austria were also forbade the talks, reasonable socialistic princi- renewed, and the next year Bismarck The socialist Frederick Lassale Catholic Church to ples that might benefit Germany forged an alliance with Italy, leaving Contʼd from previous page coerce citizens to joining it. Civil when the appropriate time came. only the border with France eign ministers had always followed marriage was made compulsory, Germany’s first socialist political unfriendly. A long period of peace their sovereigns to the front history allowing Catholics to marry Old party was formed in 1869, and and prosperity followed for the would have fewer wars to tell of….I Catholics. called the Social Democratic Party. German people, ushering in an era of have seen on a battlefield - and what During the same 1870 A decade later, they had achievement like no other time in is far worse in the hospitals – the decade when Bismarck came down gained strength in the Reichstag. world history. flower of our youth carried off by hard on the Catholic Church, he Both emperor and chancellor This great scientific and cul- wounds and disease….With such gave Germany a wealth of liberal accused them of being a threat to the tural epoch actually began in 1815, memories and such sights I should reforms, such as: freedom of the monarchy and German unity. when the Germans broke free from not have a moments peace if I had to press, a uniform legal system which Among many worthwhile socialist their French oppressors; then prom- reproach myself for making war irre- abolished the “medieval” police and ideas were radical ones, such as the ised national unity with justice by sponsibly, or out of ambition, or the judicial authority of the nobility. abolition of marriage, and similar their princes, Germany’s soul vain of seeking fame.” Bismarck founded an imperial bank, outrageous demands, that if put in revealed its brilliant talent. In 1870, a Vatican Council and issued uniform coinage. He also effect would have destroyed the announced a new dogma of papal returned to local governments many existing order in Germany. Then in Germany’s Golden Age of infallibility, proclaiming that the of their ancient powers. Pope Pius 1878, two assassination attempts Achievement pope cannot err on doctrines of faith IX died in 1878, and was succeeded were made on the life of Emperor and morals. German bishops at the by Leo XII who desired peaceful Wilhelm, perpetrated by socialists Transportation and Aviation: Council had opposed the dogma, but settlements to church-state prob- acting on their own. Bismarck, and Germans have excelled in transporta- were told they had to subscribe to it; lems. This conciliatory attitude his new Catholic allies in the tion technology since their 16th cen- some refused thus causing a division helped bring on a change of policy Reichstag used the incidents to ban tury invention of the railroad for among the Catholics in Germany. in Germany, where the chancellor’s the social Democratic Party, and all their mines. In 1876, Nikolaus Otto Those supporting the pope formed a Kulturkampf (war with the church) socialist newspapers and publica- built the first working internal com- majority in the Catholic or Center and its May Laws were causing tions. Elected socialist delegates to bustion engine, and seventeen years Party, which had won 63 delegates in conflict and confusion everywhere. the Reichstag, however, were still later, Karl Benz designed and built the first election to the Reichstag. The Old Catholics carried allowed to remain members of that the first automobile as we know it Opposing the pope was a group called little weight in the Reichstag, and It body. today. About that same time “Old Catholics,” and for their heresy was at this time that Bismarck “The first social reformer of Saurbronn perfected the bicycle, and some had been excommunicated from urgently needed parliamentary the century,” as Bismarck was Gottlieb Daimler built the motorcy- the church, and deprived of their allies. A formidable enemy of the called, implemented what he con- cle. Modern industry’s main stay, positions such as teachers and priests. monarchy had been gaining popu- sidered were the most popular that powers cars, trucks, ships, and The Old Catholics appealed larity in the Reichstag: the Socialist humanistic ideas espoused by the locomotives, the diesel engine, was to the emperor and Bismarck for help, Party, which was so dreaded by socialists, explaining: “The whole patented by Alfred Diesel in 1892. and the chancellor rallied to their Emperor Wilhelm, that he “consid- matter centers on the question: is it Otto Lilienthal flew a heavier than cause. Bismarck believed anything ered himself commissioned by God the duty of the state, or is it not, to air machine in 1891 – twelve years that imperiled a unified Germany to combat it.” provide for its helpless citizens? I before the Wright Brothers made must be crushed, stating: “We are not The Catholic Center Party maintain that it is its duty, that it is their first powered flight. Lilienthal going to Canossa either bodily or was a strong force in the 1879 the duty not only of the Christian designed the first glider plane, and spiritually….What is at stake is a Reichstag. To win it over to his side, state…but every state.” his essay on aeronautics was recog- struggle for power between monarchy Bismarck broke with the Old The Catholic Center Party nized as the basic work on aviation and priesthood. That is a struggle for Catholics, and suspended the May and Bismarck’s loyal conservatives science. Count von Zeppelin invent- power that has filled the whole of Laws, except those concerning civil then passed Bismarck’s 1883 ed the giant airship that bears his German history.” marriages and various inspections. Sickness Insurance Law, the 1884 name in 1900. Bismarck then strived to win With that done, the chancellor and Accident Insurance Law and in 1889 Education: Friedrich Froebel a majority of delegates in the his new Catholic “partners” dealt the Old Age Insurance Law (modern opened up the world’s first Reichstag to help him challenge the with the socialists, an enemy of the social security). Bismarck also Kindergarten in 1841 in Bad papists and the Catholic Center Catholics also, because of the anti- enacted child labor laws and built Blankenburg. He understood how Party, which he did when he won Christian beliefs harbored by the old folk’s homes. Some countries important it was that a child’s over the National Liberal Party, founders of socialism. followed Germany’s benevolence, scholastic career begins on a playful whose modern spirit about things had Socialism as an idea arose in and some procrastinated, like the note. Germany’s 19th century uni- been shocked over the papal dogma’s in the late 18th century, in reaction U.S.A., which waited until the medieval idea. The Bismarck-led to capitalism and the industrial rev- 1930s to enact a social security plan. Contʼd Next page JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 THE STEUBEN NEWS Page 7 Contʼd from previous page Philosophy and Archaeology: and television could never have immunology, originated the anti-toxin been invented had it not been for to prevent diphtheria, opening up a versity system set the standard for Renowned German thinkers of the 19th century were crucial in Georg Ohm, Heinrich Hertz, and new field of medicine: serum therapy higher learning around the globe. the Siemen brothers, who – which gave physicians a powerful Harvard was one of the first to adopt, the development of modern philoso- phy, a science founded on the teach- explained electric theories and weapon in preventing disease and and went on to become a world laws, in addition to devising tech- death. famous place of advanced learning. ings of Kant, Hegel, Fichte, Nietzsche, Schopenhauer, Schelling nical apparatus for testing new It was in 19th century Germany where A president of John Hopkins appliances. In 1884, Paul Nipkow nursing schools were first instituted, University, one of the top ten and many other Germans. In 1875, Heinrich Schliemann founded the invented the first television using help for handicapped pioneered, anti- research universities in the world, selenium and a scanning disc. septics brought into practice, allergies founded in 1876 with the German ancient city of Troy, which had pre- viously been believed to be only a Philip Reis not only invented the identified, and the most popular pain system stated, “As Latin was the lan- telephone in 1861, but he also gave killer in history invented – Bayer guage of the scholar during the myth. Most German archeologists pursued their art as a science, and in the invention its name. aspirin – the medicine of the century. Middle Ages, knowledge of German Genetics: Greg Mendel laid At the turn of the century, Germany is now indispensable for anyone who an ethical manner. They did not just merely plunder the ancient sites, the basic tenets for the study of was well to the forefront in medical claims the name student and schol- genetics in an 1866 book describ- progress. The scientific approach to ar.” which seemed to be the fashion then. In 1846, Karl Lepsus set the ing his numerous experiments with medicine had been developed there Literature: The brothers life patterns. In 1887, Theodor long before it spread to other coun- Grimm wrote volumes of books pattern for all subsequent linguistic and historical studies, when he made Escherich discovered a new type of tries. Postgraduates flocked to filled with ancient German fairy tales bacteria, “Coli Commune,” which German medical schools from all over during the 1800s that today are still copies of ancient Egyptian objects, thus letting the treasures remain in revealed itself later as DNA, and the world. enjoyed worldwide. Wolfgang the science of genetic engineering Invention: Following is only a Goethe (1749-1832) wrote novels the country where they belong. Karl Muller, Burkhard, Schweinfurth, was founded. short list of 19th century Germany’s and poetry with such mastery that he Chemistry: Justus Liebig, inventions that made life easier, safer, was called, “the Prince of divine and and many other German archeolo- gists contributed not only to the (1803-1873) created a chemistry and more enjoyable for all mankind: calm beauty.” Wilhelm Busch (1832- teaching laboratory at Giessen that The storage battery, the Bunsen burn- 1908) combined his great talent for progress of their science, but also to the respect of Germany among the became a model for the entire sci- er, the oil burner, reinforced concrete, painting and poetry, and originated entific world. He discovered chlo- the gas mantle, oxygen masks, paper the comic book. Then there were nations of the world. Physics and Mathematics: roform and developed artificial from wood pulp, the blow torch, the Schiller, Voss, Tieck and Bodenstadt fertilizer, the latter of which helped light bulb, the dynamo, the oscillator, who heralded the spirit of the times, Germans dominated these two diffi- cult sciences in the 19th century. save humanity from starvation. safety matches, the lead pencil, and producing classics for Germany and Friedrich Woehler was first to the first electric trains were invented the world. There was Gauss, Planck, Born, and Liebniz and many more. Julius make an identical organic matter, and ran in 1879 Berlin. Music: Many countries Urea, using chemicals in his labo- Discovery: Friedrich Bessel around the world have chosen Meyer (1814-1878) was praised by his colleagues for his work on ther- ratory, that laid the groundwork for was first to accurately determine melodies composed by Germans as the synthesis of natural matter. interstellar distances, making defini- their national anthems. Music com- modynamics, the law of energy con- servation, possibly the most impor- Adrenaline, the first synthetic hor- tive measurements of about 50,000 ing out of 19th century Germany and mone was made in a German labo- stars. The ozone was discovered and Austria by composers such as tant discovery of the century. Mayer’s work changed the entire ratory. named by Christian Schoenbein. Ludwig von Beethoven, Brahms, Medicine: Johann Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchoff Bruckner, Mahler, Schubert, Strauss, understanding of the physical world, paving the way for the revolutionary Schonlein established medicine as developed spectrum analysis, which Wagner, Weber, Haydn and 18th cen- a natural science, and influenced furnished data about components in tury masters, Mozart, Bach and advances of the 20th century. Wilhelm Roentgen’s (1845-1923) the modern way it is taught and our solar system. Alexander von Handel, overwhelmed the world with practiced. He was first to use the Humboldt originated the science of genius and innovation, leaving a discovery of the X-ray, one of the greatest achievements of all time, microscope in diagnosing disease. ecology. Photography was born in that legacy of musical masterpieces that Theodor Schwann, the “Father of golden era when Johann Schulz dis- will endure forever. heralded the age of modern physics and medical practice. Cytology,” confirmed that the cell covered that light darkened in a solu- Electronic Communication: is the basis of all animal and plant tissue.Von Mall identified proto- Contʼd next page Karl Benz and his motor carriage The telegraph, radio plasm; Franz J. Gall founded Heinrich Hertz the science of Phrenology; Virchow Pathology; Mueller Physiology, and Paul Ehrlich pioneered chemotherapy, explained immunity and toxins, and discovered the first cure for syphilis. Artur Nicolaier discovered the tetanus bacillus; Emil Kircher pioneered surgery. Ferdinand Sauerbruch, the “King of Surgeons,” invented equipment to prevent the lungs from collapsing, so doctors could operate in the chest cavi- ty. In 1877, Robert Koch, the “Father of Bacteriology,” dis- covered the tuberculosis and cholera germs, and worked on inoculations to combat anthrax. Emil Behring, the founder of Page 8 THE STEUBEN NEWS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 Soul of Germany Melchior Muehlenberg was the Prince Carl Rudolph, was trav- calendar of events eling about the colonies prey- Please email your calendar items to: Contʼd from previous page first of many, and the service ren- [email protected] 1-2 months prior to your event. tion of silver nitrate. At Jena, dered then, welcome and helpful ing upon Christian congrega- as it must have been, was but little tions. In 1747, the pastorless 3/10 Robert Wagner Unit Corned Beef & Cabbage Fundraiser the world’s finest optical for more info 631-776-7794 works was established by when compared with the constant people of the Raritans, help the busy patriarch gave to the deceived by his charming man- 5/22 2-6:00 pm Steuben Society 97th Anniversary Luncheon Zeiss. The first book on (Replaces Founders Day), Coral House, Baldwin NY oceanography was written in Raritan Lutherans in the next thir- ner, welcomed him into their Germany, remaining a standard ty years. pulpits. Chaos and havoc came Muhlenberg was a native with him. After too long a textbook in that field until the Happy Birthday 1930s. of Eimbeck, Hanover Province, time, his open immorality 19th century German Germany. A graduate of the revealed his true character and Sister Gertrude Schmazl idealism placed science on so University of Goettingen, he had turned all against him. Kurtz 100 Years Young! high a pedestal, that accumu- taught one year in the Francke was recalled to repair the dam- on January 10, 2016 lating great wealth was looked institutions in Halle. In 1741, at age. the age of thirty, he was superin- down upon. Most German sci- JOHN ALBERT WEYGAND tendent of an orphan home school The Union of the Churches entists were contented to live (1748 - 1753) and pastor of a church. At this A little later, in August on the humble salary they In August of 1748, when the churches had time he was asked to go as a mis- of 1748, Muehlenberg made a received as university profes- so quickly planned and financed their new church sionary to the wilds of America. pastoral visitation to the sors, where they not only building, they were still without a resident pastor. Accepting, he became pastor of Raritan Churches. After the taught, but carried on research. In those days when ministers were few in the scattered congregations of last of a series of services he Ralph Waldo Emerson, the America, Muehlenberg had no one to recommend Philadelphia, Germantown, selected from each of the four great American writer, thinker for the Oldwick pulpit. Providence, however, was Providence, and New Hanover in congregations three persons and world traveler once said: in action. In November, John Albert Weygand Pennsylvania. He soon was the for a general church council. “I am of the opinion that the came to the Raritan congregations, was given res- recognized leader of Lutherans The new body immediately Germans possess an honesty of idence at the home of Balthasar Pickell and began over a wide area. He set the doc- began to discuss before the intellect which places their sci- a pastorate which lasted five years. trinal, organizational, liturgical, congregations the question of a ence above all others.” Perhaps cont’d next month Germany’s greatest contribu- and practical precedents for new church building. "They tion to the world is that it’s the American Lutheranism. He sent desired," Muehlenberg wrote, only language in which God detailed reports of his work to the "to erect a commodious church pastors at Halle and kept a diary in a central locality, where the National Council of the Contʼd next issue for his personal reference. It is most distant members would Steuben Society invites from these documents that much not have to travel more than Zion Church of the early history of the Raritan ten or twelve miles. To this everyone to the congregations is drawn. proposition three of the con- contʼd from page 4 It is well to mention that gregations willingly assented, 97th Anniversary and good, Gott und gut are so Muhlenberg considered these in the fourth, however, were a Luncheon on closely tied together, meaning: societies as lying outside of his few obstinate heads who would Sunday, May 22, 2016 God is the Good One. (English Philadelphia bailiwick and inside not agree, but were resolved to got this from the German side the New York. Only after repeated build a church of their own. To 2 to 6 pm of its language.) appeals were the early congrega- the latter was given full free- The visit of Henry tions able to secure his oversight dom to build as many churches at the Coral House and reap the benefits of his as they pleased. The three con- Sculpture of Henry Melchior extraordinary good sense, tact, gregations, therefore, (and sev- 70 Milburn Ave Muehlenberg and powers of Christian leader- eral people from the fourth), Baldwin, NY 11510 ship. having estimated that the struc- From 1745 until 1748 the ture would cost three hundred Cost is $70 pp and children churches were without a pastor. and some pounds with their They received extended visits, labor, straightway subscribed under 12 are $35 pp. however, from Mr. J. N. Kurtz and among themselves two hun- Cash Bar Mr. J. N. Schaum, both of whom dred and forty pounds." were being prepared for the min- The Building of Zion Entertainment by istry by Muhlenberg. For Schaum The building was these visits proved to be eminent- begun in the spring of 1749. John Weber ly worthwhile; for he returned at By August the walls were built the time of the dedication of Zion as far as the roof. In the fol- to be married to the daughter of lowing year the work was com- More details to follow Baltes Pickel. pleted and the dedication date In these years a satanic was set for Advent Sunday, In anticipation of our Centennial Anniversary character, posing as a prince and a December 2. Muhlenberg was Celebration, we have established the Centennial Club minister, and styling himself ready to delay the ceremony inviting donations of $100. Donors will be until better travelling weather acknowledged in Steuben News. Please make check payable to Steuben Society of in the spring, but he consented America (Note: “Centennial Club”) and mail to: FOR INFO ON BECOMING A MEMBER: Steuben Society of to the early date out of consid- One South Ocean Ave. Suite 217, Patchogue, NY 11772 America, One South Ocean Avenue, Suite 217, Patchogue, eration for young Schaum, now a pastor, who planned to Your Name:______NY 11772 email: [email protected] or call be married at the time of the Address:______631-730-5111 dedication. Schaum did not Village:______State_____Zip:______favor postponement. All donations are tax deductible