Information Newsletter

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Information Newsletter December, 2013 A COMMUNICATION FROM THE ACTING CHAIRMAN OF PEC, THE REV. DR. ERROL L. CONNOR - EWI PROVINCE VISION STATEMENT A Church - Transformed, "Never in my life" is an expression of surprise or wonder in the face of the United, Victorious in Christ unusual or unexpected. Such a moment of exclamation may result from both positive and negative experiences or events that overtake us on the journey of life. For exam- MISSION STATEMENT ple, one may have been surprised by changes in one's employment, family, marriage, friendships or fortunes in life, and all one can say in review is "never in my life did I By the grace of God, we seek think, believe or imagine such and such would happen to me." The unusual and the to be faithful to our Lord Je- unexpected come rushing into our lives in such a way that we are plunged into the rip sus Christ; without distinc- -tide of wonder and amazement, whether it is to our joy or chagrin. tion, we use all that we pos- sess to call all peoples to the The Season of Advent reminds us of an eternal moment of wonder and truth of the Gospel through amazement: the arrival of Christ, the Savoir of the world. We have only to think of worship, evangelism, disci- the various passages of Scripture that speak of God's activity in preparing the world pleship and service. for the Christ Event. Such revelations filled the persons confronted with wonder and awe. Think of Zechariah, the Priest who was dumbfounded at the promise of a child MAILING ADDRESS: (Luke 1:5ff). He was serving in the temple when he was told of the birth of John the Baptist. He was filled with such disbelief that he could be a father in his old age that I imagine him saying "never in my life." Then, there is the Virgin Mary - a young Moravian Church - EWI Province woman engaged to be married. The angel announced that she will become pregnant Moravian Provincial Headquarters Cashew Hill, P.O. Box 504 and give birth to "the Son of the Most High." Imagine her perplexity. Yet through the St. John’s, Antigua mist of her own thoughts and wonderings - (How could this be?) she yields: "Behold, Tel: (268)560-0185 Fax(268)462-0643 the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to your word.” Then, there is Jo- seph who could not understand why and how his wife to be could be pregnant. In a dream, God reveals the truth of the unusual as part of the divine redemptive plan. Ris- EMAIL ADDRESS ing from sleep, Joseph obediently commits to caring for Mary as his betrothed. The [email protected] wonder continues as we think about Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth. WEB ADDRESS Continue on Page 2 http://www.moravians.net Inside This Issue God of life, lead us to Justice and Book of Order 2012 “Always In our Life” 1- 2 Peace, Message of the WCC 10th 5 - 6 PEC Meetings 2014 7 Birthdays/Anniversaries 13 Assembly/ We intend to move Cana 150th Anniversary Banquet Hymn of the month 3 First woman and African moderator 6 Report from Representatives at 8 - 11 elected to the WCC Central Committee Unity Youth Heritage Tour 2013 Report on the 10th Gen- Scintillating performances at Rental of Moravian Multi- eral Assembly of the 3- 4 Gospel on Steel III 7 Excerpts from the Moravian 12 purpose Complex 14 WCC Monthly Newsletter Fulfilling the Mandate - Submit to God’s Rule 2 Cont’d’ from Page 1 Hymn of the Month for December, 2013 Can you sense the wonder and awe in the salutation of Mikie Roberts (Rev.) Chair, Mary and the baby's kicking? Elizabeth exclaimed, "When Provincial Hymnal Committee. I heard your greetings the babe (John the Baptist) leaped in my womb!” What a story! And yet, it gets better. Mary, nearing the time of delivery, is compelled to take a long For the past three months the hymns have focused on journey with Joseph, her husband. three separate seasons within the Church. In October we focussed on the mission of the Mary arrives in Bethlehem where she gives birth Church as we observed missions in a cattle shed because there was no room in the inn. throughout the Province. For the Wonder of wonder! Then, who can forget the glory dis- month of November we brought played in the heavens as sleepy shepherds were astounded into the spotlight the theme of by the choir of angels singing. Oh, and let's not forget the Thanksgiving as many congrega- wise men who had been tracking and interpreting the signs tions celebrated their harvests in- in the movement of the stars; then to follow that lone star gathering. For this month of De- which led them to the Christ child. They brought him gifts, cember, our hymn of the month most suited to his life and work as the one mediator be- addresses the Advent/Christmas tween God and man. What wonder and awe in the details seasons. of the beautiful story of the Incarnation - The arrival of The hymn of the month for Decem- God in flesh for the sake of fallen humanity. ber is Love came down at Christ- mas. This hymn first appeared as a So, here we are! It is the Season of Advent, and 19th century poem written by Chris- we are again summoned by the details of the Story of tina Rossetti. In our current hymnal it is #63 and is sung Christ's coming into the world. Summoned to reflect, to to the traditional Irish melody GARTAN. The hymn is repent, to prepare, and to advance in service and grow in very simple and direct in declaring the message of the grace. To be sure, we are challenged to open ourselves to Advent/Christmas season. It is its simplicity that makes it the leading of the Holy Spirit as He discloses the deep very attractive as the hymn reminds us of the essence of things of God as we study and journey with the Christ who the Christian Gospel – God so loved the world that He comes afresh to us each day. gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16). The message of this hymn points us to the truth that the Advent/ Advent fills us with joyful wonder and amazing Christmas seasons calls us to give attention to the won- hope because God came to us in the vulnerability of hu- der of God’s love being made manifest in the person of man life. God's arrival in Jesus Christ is the assurance that Jesus Christ. Below is the text for this hymn that has all of life is gift: that life is a gift from God and life is the been appointed for the month of December: gift of God. As such, we are privileged to share this most precious gift. Most importantly, we are led to more than a perplexing wonder or amazement. Yes, we are led to won- Love came down at Christmas, derful daily experiences of faith, demonstrating concrete Love all lovely, Love divine; confidence in Jesus, the Christ, as Immanuel - God with Love was born at Christmas, us. This truth of God's personal presence with us moves Star and angels gave the sign. us beyond the exclamation "never in my life" to the daily affirmation of the wonder that because he lives and shall Worship we the Godhead, come again, "He is always in our life". So then it is alright Love incarnate, Love divine; to exclaim and proclaim in this Advent Season that Christ Worship we our Jesus: is the only true God and the one who is "always in our But wherewith for sacred sign? life." If we do, then at his Second Advent, we will have no need to say, "never in my life did I think, believe or imag- Love shall be our token, ine that Christ would forsake me or disown me. Rather as Love be yours and love be mine, we have received Him, He shall receive us. But for Love to God and all men, grace...! A Blessed Advent Season to all! Love for plea and gift and sign. Fulfilling the Mandate - Submit to God’s Rule 3 A REPORT on the 10th Assembly of the WORLD New Dehli ( India) in 1961, Uppsala, (Sweden) inContinue COUNCIL of CHURCHES (WCC) 1968, Nairobi (Kenya) in 1975, Vancouver (Canada) in by Rev. Dr. Errol Connor 1983, Canberra (Australia ) in 1991, Harare ( Zimbabwe) in 1998, Porto Alegre (Brazil) in 2006, and Busan in 2013. In this report, I want to give information that provide a basic understanding and appreciation of the journey, It is of historic significance that The Rev. Dr. Philip Potter, place and the work of the World Council of Churches a Methodist minister, an ecumenical giant, and a Carib- (WCC). I am working with the assumption that there are bean scholar (born in Dominica) was unable to at- few persons who have little knowledge of the work and tend the 10th Assembly due to health reasons. According witness of the WCC. So, even as I report on the 10th to a contribution made by Theodore Gill, "Dr. Potter is 92 Assembly, I hope the reader will come way better in- years old. He was a youth delegate to the inaugural assem- formed. bly in1948. He has attended every assembly since then. He served as the third WCC General Secretary, 1974- MY JOURNEY 1984.
Recommended publications
  • Journal of the Lycoming County Historical Society, October 1957
    24 T H E JO U R N A L From the Williamsport Saturday E vening Review, February 23, 1895 Society brother of the groom, acted as bestman. The approachof Lenthas certainlyaffec- After a reception and supper the couple ted society and placed it practicallyat a left on their weddingtour, on their return standstill in this city. T#e Ret'fea' for che from which they will reside at Sinnema- two weeks past has had but few social honning, where Mr. Baird fills a railroad events to publish. position A delightful musical was given for the b:neat of the Christ church organ fund last Personal Monday evening at the residence of Mrs. J. V. Brown. Col. Coryel called his staff officers to the city Tuesday evening last for consul- Miss Helen Bentleygave a high Tea, last tation Thursday afternoon, in honor of Miss Rapp, of Baltimore. Manager Davis, of the Williamsport Passenger Railway Company, is attending Miss Emery entertained the Tuesday the electrical convention in Cleveland. Night Whist Club this week. This was the Ohio last game of the series. City Engineer George Noble Harrison was in New York City Snyder won first men's prize, and Miss this week Jennie Weed first ladies'prize. There were Steve Harrison was in the city this week three progi:easing tables Mr. and Mrs. John G. Henderson were Lash Tuesday night Miss Helen Turner in Danville over Sunday last gave a country sleighing party at che home R. P. Blackburn,the West End drug- of her father, Jacob Turner. Those present gist, has sent out notices speaking in from this city were Miss Helen Bentley, flattering terms of the celebrated Huyler's Miss Maud Otto and Hiester Otto.
    [Show full text]
  • The History of the Moravian Church Rooting in Unitas Fratrum Or the Unity of the Brethren
    ISSN 2308-8079. Studia Humanitatis. 2017. № 3. www.st-hum.ru УДК 274[(437):(489):(470)] THE HISTORY OF THE MORAVIAN CHURCH ROOTING IN UNITAS FRATRUM OR THE UNITY OF THE BRETHREN (1457-2017) BASED ON THE DESCRIPTION OF THE TWO SETTLEMENTS OF CHRISTIANSFELD AND SAREPTA Christensen C.S. The article deals with the history and the problems of the Moravian Church rooting back to the Unity of the Brethren or Unitas Fratrum, a Czech Protestant denomination established around the minister and philosopher Jan Hus in 1415 in the Kingdom of Bohemia. The Moravian Church is thereby one of the oldest Protestant denominations in the world. With its heritage back to Jan Hus and the Bohemian Reformation (1415-1620) the Moravian Church was a precursor to the Martin Luther’s Reformation that took place around 1517. Around 1722 in Herrnhut the Moravian Church experienced a renaissance with the Saxonian count Nicolaus von Zinzendorf as its protector. A 500 years anniversary celebrated throughout the Protestant countries in 2017. The history of the Moravian Church based on the description of two out of the 27 existing settlements, Christiansfeld in the southern part of Denmark and Sarepta in the Volgograd area of Russia, is very important to understand the Reformation in 1500s. Keywords: Moravian Church, Reformation, Jan Hus, Sarepta, Christiansfeld, Martin Luther, Herrnhut, Bohemia, Protestantism, Bohemian Reformation, Pietism, Nicolaus von Zinzendorf. ИСТОРИЯ МОРАВСКОЙ ЦЕРКВИ, БЕРУЩЕЙ НАЧАЛО В «UNITAS FRATRUM» ИЛИ «ЕДИНОМ БРАТСТВЕ» (1457-2017), ОСНОВАННАЯ НА ОПИСАНИИ ДВУХ ПОСЕЛЕНИЙ: КРИСТИАНСФЕЛЬДА И САРЕПТЫ Христенсен К.С. Статья посвящена исследованию истории и проблем Моравской Церкви, уходящей корнями в «Unitas Fratrum» или «Единое братство», которое ISSN 2308-8079.
    [Show full text]
  • Excess and Utopia: Meditations on Moravian Bethlehem
    Excess and Utopia: Meditations on Moravian Bethlehem Seth Moglen The problem o excess is, at once, psychological and material. It is a matter both o feeling and politics. Since it is, in part, psychological, let me begin with one o Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic parables—in this case, a parable about excrement. Freud tells us that before toilet training, little children experience defecation as a pleasurable act o creation. So imagine, i you will, a young child, enraptured with the productions o her own body, who leaves in some public part o the home, as a git to her parents, a turd. Her parents may respond in various ways. In the culture o Freud’s bourgeois fin-de-siècle Vienna, revulsion was perhaps the most likely: a sense o distress that something expelled from the body—waste, excess—had been deposited where it did not belong. The child is then taught that waste must not merely be expelled from the body, but purged from the home, family, and civilized community. It must be expunged, buried, washed away, disposed o without a trace, separated from the senses and from feelings o pleasure or desire. The boundaries o the ego, the domestic sphere, and the social order are constructed in this way. In order to become a normative subject, the child must internalize this prohibition against taking pleasure or feeling pride in waste, in excess. This internalization entails the development o feelings o shame or guilt in rela- tion to objects and emotions that must be repudiated. So the psychoanalytic problem o excess is an emotional problem: it is the problem o how one feels and how one is supposed to feel about those things culturally marked as excessive—as abject, forbidden, beyond the pale.
    [Show full text]
  • Stadt Herrnhut
    Herrnhut Small Town, Global Importance Welcome to Herrnhut! Herrnhut, our »small town of global impor - tance«, holds many stories. Let us invite you on a journey through the following pages to tell you some of them. Whether Herrnhut Stars, baroque architecture, companies rich in tradition or religious life you will see that our stories did not end a long time ago – they can still be seen and felt today and 1 will forever form the foundation for future developments. Culture and religious observance, crafts and entrepreneurship, being in touch with nature and recreation: all these things come together in Herrnhut to create its unique character. I hope you will enjoy your discoveries! Willem Riecke Mayor of Herrnhut 2 1 »Maternal Happiness« (»Mutterglück«) – sculpture in the Herrschaftsgarten 2 View towards the Church from Augus t- Bebe l- Straße 3 View of Comeniusstraße 4 Church Cupola 5 Burial Ground / Go d’s Acre (Gottesacker) 6 Christmas Eve in Herrnhut 7 The Hills around Herrnhut 1 HERRNHUT 3 Small Town, Global IMPORTANCE Herrnhut is situated in the heart of the scenic of the place where Germany, Poland and the Upper Lusatia. Together with the surrounding Czech Republic meet. Within this border area, you villages Berthelsdorf, Großhennersdorf, Ruppers - will be tempted by many destinations along the dorf and Strahwalde the number of inhabitants »Via Sacra«, by nearby mountains and lively towns, 4 totals almost 6,300 people. such as Liberec in the Czech Republic and Görlitz, It is true that Herrnhut is a small town, but as its which spans the river Neisse. history and present are closely connected with the worldwide Moravian Church Herrnhut is brim - You are most welcome to Herrnhut in Upper ming with an international atmosphere.
    [Show full text]
  • MORAVIAN Informační MORAVIAN Zpravodaj the NATIONAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION in SUCHDOL NAD ODROU Číslo 50 5
    MORAVIAN informační MORAVIAN zpravodaj THE NATIONAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION IN SUCHDOL NAD ODROU Číslo 50 5. 12. 2018 The Lord will guard you; he is by your side to protect you. Psalm 121, 5 (Daily watchwords 2018) *** To start with : *********************************************** Suchdol nad Odrou is a cradle of the Moravian Brethren. They are spiritual descendants of J. A. Comenius, who had to leave them here and to go to exile in 1621, where he then spent the whole rest of his life. One hundred years after his leaving, about 230 inhabitants of Suchdol (about 550 people from the whole of Kuhländchen region) emigrated and founded an exile village Herrnhut, from where they as missionaries spread Comenius’ ideas to various parts of the world. Every three years we have organized a conference, in which historians, enthusiasts and admirers of the Moravian Brethren’s work take part, bringing new facts about these Moravians. We present a report about the Eighth International Moravian Conference, concerning mainly its progress. The co-organizers of the event were: The township of Suchdol n Odrou, National District Archive in Nový Ji čín, Museum of Novoji čínsko region, Johannes-Mathesius-Gesellschaft and Landschaftsrat der Heimatlandschaft Kuhländchen. ******* What is behind us:**************************************** VIII. International Conference of Moravian, 21. – 23. 9. 2018 Main Topic of the Conference: How the Moravian Brethren Enriched the Countries and the Nations. Other topics: Johann Teltschik (1696-1764), – church planter in England and Ireland - 275 years of mission work among the Mohicans - Reminder of 21 Moravians – most of them missionaries, celebrating an anniversary in years 2017, 2018, 2019 - The significant anniversary, Centenary of the Czech Statehood, has not been omitted, the conference has been registered as partner in the project ”Centuries-old Roots” **** Program for Friday 21st September 2018 ************************** The meeting was opened by the mayor of the township Suchdol nad Odrou, Ing.
    [Show full text]
  • 2/1-Spaltig, Einrückung Ab Titelfeld, Text Vor Sperrvermerken
    MAB: Painting Collection (2009-08-06) 1 1. Portraits PC 1 Anders, Anna Rosina, (1759/60). portrait of woman, cap with pink ribbon, dress laced up with pink lace, showing left hand, gold frame Anna Rosina Anders (1727-1803), born in Berthelsdorf, Saxony, arrived in Bethlehem in 1748 where she became eldress of the Single Sisters' Choir. She returned to Europe in 1765, where she was eldress of the single sisters in Fulneck (1765-69), Bedford (1769-73) and Fulneck (1773-..). Here she died. 23 7/8 x 30 ’ (60.5 x 76 cm) 19 9/16 x 25 3/8 ’ (49.7 x 64 cm) sitter's name on back of canvas: 'Anna Rosina Andersin, pict. ætat. 32'. vault 1, south wall shelf Nelson (1966): 10. Nelson (2003): 1 PC 10 Nitschmann, Anna, (18th cent.). portrait of a single sister, cap with red ribbon, dark (green?) ribbon on sleeve, showing right hand holding piece of paper: 'Sein Blut Er vergoßen für mich, Würmelein' (HG 522:3). gold frame Anna Nitschmann (1715-1760), called 'Caritas', was born in Kunewalde, Moravia. She became congregational eldress in Herrnhut at the age of 14 (1730), organized the single sisters' choir in Herrnhut, traveled to Pennsylvania with her father (1740), traveled with Zinzendorf through Pennsylvania, returns to Europe (1743), she was 'Mother of the Church' (1746-1756), and general eldress of all the single sisters. She was Zinzendorf's closest coworker with the the title 'Jüngerin´ (disciple) (since Dec. 1756) and she became his 2nd wife in 1757. She died in Herrnhut. 23 1/2 x 28 1/4 ’ (59.5 x 71.5 cm) 48 x 60.5 ’ (19 x 60.5 cm) Many other portraits of Anna Nitschmann in Herrnhut (Unity Archives).
    [Show full text]
  • The Brethren Community Gnadenfrei in Silesia
    THE BRETHREN COMMUNITY GNADENFREI IN SILESIA Published by L. Maasberg, Gnadenfrei 1911 Text by W. Mosel and C. Bernhard Printed by Gustav Winter, Herrnhut Translated from the original German by Regina Erich and edited by Robin Jackson 2009 THE HISTORY OF GNADENFREI Whoever hears the name Gnadenfrei for the first time may not have a clear idea about the origin of the name. In contrast to many town names in Silesia which are of Slavic origin, this obviously German word allows for all sorts of speculation as to its underlying meaning. However, it is not necessary to speculate about this, as the history of Gnadenfrei does not go back to times immemorial, as it was one of the many settlements founded in the Frederickian era. As we shall see, the history of the origin of Gnadenfrei is reflected in its name. Around the year 1300 Silesia had lost its autonomy as a duchy when it came under the rule of the Bohemian kings. But this yoke was not seen as a particularly heavy one. There is evidence of a strong intellectual life which developed once the Reformation had established itself in most parts of Germany. In Silesia, too, the Reformation gained a firm foothold almost everywhere at a very early stage. This unrestricted spread of the new teaching only met with resistance after the Habsburgs had acquired Bohemia, including Silesia. In some parts of Silesia, for instance in the principalities of Liegnitz, Brieg, Wohlau, Öls and in the city of Breslau1, things were dealt with in a relatively mild manner.
    [Show full text]
  • General Index: <Em>Wesley and Methodist Studies</Em> Volumes 1–10
    General Index Wesley and Methodist Studies Volumes 1–10 (2009–2018) Christopher D. Rodkey Guide to the Index Tis index covers the frst ten volumes of Wesley and Methodist Studies, beginning with the frst volume (2009) and ending with volume 10/2 (2018). Te editorial team is grateful to the Revd Dr Christopher D. Rodkey for design- ing and drafing the index, and to Fernando Carvalho for his editorial work. Te creation and production of such an index is highly complex. While names, places, and events are relatively straightforward to reference, Wesley and Methodist Studies covers theological and related topics that can be concep- tually challenging to organize. And the indexer is called upon also to make a wide range of contestable judgements, for example, in defning key terms such as ‘Methodist’. Users should therefore see the index as a guide rather than a detailed route map. Given the range and scope of the journal, the index focuses on substantive references to topics in the main body of the text; in general, incidental men- tions, and topics that appear only in footnotes, are not referenced. We would welcome receiving notifcations of index errors and omissions from readers. Geordan Hammond Clive Norris Wesley and Methodist Studies, Vol. 12, No. 1, 2020 Copyright © 2020 Te Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA DOI: 10.5325/weslmethstud.12.1.0109 This content downloaded from 146.186.116.60 on Wed, 08 Jan 2020 18:40:28 UTC All use subject to https://about.jstor.org/terms 110 wesley and methodist studies Contributors and Articles Atherstone, Andrew Evangelical Dissentients and the Defeat of the Anglican-Methodist Unity Scheme, 7:100–116 Bebbington, D.
    [Show full text]
  • Painting Collection
    I M O R A V I A N A R C H I V E S Inventory of the Painting Collection PC Paul Peucker 2004 II Table of contents 1. Portraits 1 2. Historical Pictures 13 3. Biblical Pictures 14 4. Symbolic Pictures 15 5. Landscapes, Views 15 1 1. Portraits 1 Anders, Anna Rosina, (1759/60). portrait of woman, cap with pink ribbon, dress laced up with pink lace, showing left hand, gold frame Anna Rosina Anders (1727‐1803), born in Berthelsdorf, Saxony, arrived in Bethle‐ hem in 1748 where she became eldress of the Single Sisters' Choir. She returned to Europe in 1765, where she was eldress of the single sisters in Fulneck (1765‐69), Bedford (1769‐73) and Fulneck (1773‐..). Here she died. 23 7/8 x 30 " (60.5 x 76 cm) 19 9/16 x 25 3/8 " (49.7 x 64 cm) Annotation: Language: Nelson (1966): 10. Nelson (2003): 1 Edition:Gallery, front 20 Arbo, Johann, (18th cent.). Portrait of a Moravian man, left hand in vest. gold frame Johann Arbo (1713‐1772), born near Flensburg, Germany, joined the Moravians in Herrnhut (1742). He served as a scribe and as a teacher. Became assistent warden of the single brothers in Herrnhut (1758, 1759 head warden) and in Bethlehem (1761‐1772). Before his departure he was ordained a Deacon in Herrnhut. He died in Bethlehem. 24 x 30 " (60.5 x 76 cm) 19 1/2 x 25 1/2 " (49.5 x 64.5 cm) Annotation: Language: Nelson (2003): 21 Edition:Gallery, front 23 Bader, Philipp Christian, (18th cent.).
    [Show full text]
  • The Memorial Days of the Renewed Church of the Brethren
    Memorial Days Historical Introduction As the 100th anniversary of the Renewed Moravian Unity drew near, the church in Germany in 1821 published two small volumes to mark the occasion. They were Die Gedenktage, or Memorial Days, of the Unity, both Ancient and Renewed. They contained accounts of special events and documents which had a great effect on the beginning and continued development of what came to be known as the Moravian Church. The editors wanted the people not just to remember those occasions, but to feel them as a part of their own heritage. They therefore, as much as possible, told the stories in the words of the original participants drawn from contemporary letters, diaries, and the like. In so doing, they produced a treasure house of information on the early days of the Ancient and Renewed Unity, seen through the eyes of those who were there. Memorial Days of the Renewed Unity was quickly translated into English and published in London first in 1822 and then again in 1895. This made it possible for these stories to reach new generations and new countries, including America. Today, as we mark the 550th anniversary of the Moravian Church (Unitas Fratrum) it is fitting that in a new century and in a new electronic mode of communication we make these inspiring events available to a still wider audience. May these accounts help us see the devotion of our spiritual ancestors to our Lord and to His service in the Moravian Church, and may they inspire us to make their story our story.
    [Show full text]
  • From SILESIA to PENNSBURG 1726-1926
    From SILESIA to PENNSBURG 1726-1926 The Exile ^Migration in 'Pictures From Silesia to Pennsburg TheStory of the Migration of the Schwenkfeldian Exiles in Pictures as Presented by Members of the Society of The Descendants of theSchwenkfeldian Exiles at Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, June$, IQ26 Published by The Society of the Descendants of the Schwenkfeldian Exiles Being Vol. 3, No. 3, of THE EXILE HERALD Publication Office 1231 Vine Street, Philadelphia Publication Committee Samuel K. Brecht, Litt.D. J. E. Burnett Buckenham, M.D. Herbert Heebner Smith, A.M. Officers JAMES M. ANDERS, M.D., LL.D President HON. WILLIAM WAGENER PORTER First Vice-President HERBERT HEEBNER SMITH, A.M Second Vice-President J. E. BURNETT BUCKENHAM, M.D Secretary (Address: Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.) RALPH GETELMAN, M.D Treasurer. (Address: 2011 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pa.) SAMUEL K. BRECHT, Litt. D CHARLES HEEBNER MRS. FRANCIS D. MAXWELL HENRY S. KRIEBEL MRS. JOHN FABER MILLER ) MRS. JOHN FARRELL ELMER K. SCHULTZ H. WILSON STAHLNECKER FRANK M. UNDERKUFFLER j The basis of membership is descent from one of the exiles. The dues are $3 a year. This includes payment of subscription to the Exile Herald, a quarterly publication. A Pageant of Schwenkfelder History A PAGEANT or "illustrated narrative," in 10 scenes, was given on Saturday, June 5, in the gymnasium of Perkiomen School, under the auspices of the Society of the Descendants of the Schwenkfeldian Exiles, by members of that society and of the Schwenkfelder Churches in the various districts. The narrative was written by Dr. Samuel K. Brecht and read by Miss Frances Maxwell.
    [Show full text]
  • This Month in Moravian History a Monthly Newsletter Published by the Moravian Archives in Bethlehem, Commemorating Events from Moravian History
    This Month in Moravian History A monthly newsletter published by the Moravian Archives in Bethlehem, commemorating events from Moravian History No. 12 October 2006 A Shimmer of Hope: Joseph II’s Tolerance Act of 1781 When Joseph II of Austria issued a tolerance act on October 13, 1781 hope rose in the Moravian Church that freedom had finally come for the Protestants in the “lands of the fathers”. Years of suppression had caused Protestants to leave the Habsburg empire for other parts of Europe. In 1722 Protestant refugees from Moravia had founded Herrnhut and started the Renewed Moravian Church that would incorporate the traditions of the old Unitas Fratrum. Joseph II came to the throne after the death of his for the Lutherans and mother, Maria Theresa, in the year 1780. Joseph, who the Reformed. From his considered himself an Enlightened ruler, initiated a enlightened standpoint radical change from the politics of his mother. He Joseph II considered abolished serfdom and introduced equality of taxes, so other groups, such as that nobles, bourgeois and peasants were taxed according the Hussites and those to the same principles. Joseph made sure that everyone who claimed to belong was tried equally in court, regardless of a person’s class. to the Unity of the He also introduced freedom of press, and in 1781 he Brethren, too ignorant ordered toleration of religion. to be tolerated under For many years the Roman Catholic church had been the 1781 act. The Unity the only religion in the lands under Habsburg rule. A Elders in Berthelsdorf period of toleration for Protestants in Bohemia had come cautioned the Brethren to an end with the Battle at the White Mountain in 1620.
    [Show full text]