The Magazine of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia

Special Tercentenary Issue!

Message from the president

ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2011, The Lutheran • As an institution located in historic

Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) Philadelphia, we will raise the profile
will join local, regional, national, and interna- of this significant American historical
tional celebrations of the 300th anniversary of figure who contributed significantly to
the birth of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, the the colonial landscape, and explore the
organizer of Lutheranism in colonial America. ways in which he “fathered” the first
In this issue you will be introduced to his generation of citizens of the United
importance and learn how LTSP will celebrate States of America. His children also have
the anniversary year. There is an impressive stat- made significant, far-reaching contribu-
ue at the entrance of the seminary of tions to American history.
Muhlenberg preaching, but we are not celebrat-
• As a religious institution located on a
ing him because of a magnificent statue or to
campus within a highly diverse religious
observe an anniversary.
and ethnic community, we will create a
We will celebrate who we are as a seminary
dialogue around issues of immigration
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
and the role of the church in new immi-
due to Muhlenberg’s vision and understanding of the church. Because
grant experiences, explore topics of religious tolerance and pluralism,
of his mission and ministry, we have a constitution for congregations
and support public discussion about the ways in which we are “alike”
and an understanding that the church is larger than the ministry and
and of our shared history as “newcomers” to America.
mission of local congregations and their authority. In many ways, the
Muhlenberg tradition characterizes who we are as a seminary — loyal • We intend to raise sufficient endowed funds ($500,000) to
to the church and its mission to prepare leaders who will proclaim the establish a Muhlenberg scholarship that will provide free tuition
Gospel of our crucified and risen Lord in a diverse and pluralistic for one or more students who will exemplify Muhlenberg’s passion
nation. In addition, we have set the following goals: for mission and ministry in a diverse and pluralistic context.
Now that LTSP has succeeded in renovating its wonderful
• LTSP plans to use this celebratory year as a lens not only to
campus, we are dedicating all our energies to support our
reflect the seminary’s heritage and legacy, but, more importantly,
wonderful student body and the faculty by raising funds for
as a vehicle to engage our constituency, reaching out to new
financial aid and faculty development.
audiences. We have made a commitment to view ourselves —
our collections, our educational offerings, our campus — as a We have a wonderful legacy and treasure to sustain in the
public asset and, as it relates to Muhlenberg specifically, to Muhlenberg tradition, and we welcome and encourage you to join
share his heritage that was integral as well to the formation of us as LTSP continues to carry out that tradition.
the nation. A commemorative project of this type serves the
obvious goals of raising up and exploring a significant historical Christ is risen, Alleluia.
figure and examining his relevance to today’s world, and will
have long lasting ramifications for our institution beyond the
anniversary year.
Philip D. Krey
• As a school of the ELCA, we will help to educate the 5.2 million
Lutherans in the United States as to the legacy of Muhlenberg,
to an understanding of the church’s patriarch that contributes
to an understanding of who Lutherans are, and to paint a picture
of the real man — his strengths and his weaknesses.
• As the largest repository of Muhlenberg’s papers and artifacts
in the United States, we will make available to scholars and the
public, at no charge, our extensive collection for research.
 EDITOR/DESIGNER
Merri L. Brown

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
John Kahler

WRITERS
John Kahler
Mark A. Staples

PHOTOGRAPHY
John Kahler
Maria Fumai Dietrich

EDITORIAL BOARD
Merri L. Brown
Lois La Croix
FEATURES ✛ SPRING 2011
David D. Grafton
Louise Johnson
Sharing the Public and Private Witness of ..........................................6
John Kahler Henry Melchior Muhlenberg
Philip D. Krey
John V. Puotinen
Muhlenberg Congregations in North America Map ..............................14
J. Paul Rajashekar The Henry Melchior Muhlenberg House Dig ..................................................17
CORRESPONDENCE Images from a Newly Planted Church ......................................................................18
PS,
The Lutheran Theological Seminary Resettling Immigrants ..............................................................................................................19
at Philadelphia,
7301 Germantown Avenue, YOU are the LIVING LEGACY ..................................................Inside back cover
Philadelphia, PA 19119 of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg
Telephone: 215.248.6311 or
1.800.286.4616
Email: communications@Ltsp.edu
Visit us online: www.Ltsp.edu
DEPARTMENTS
PS is a publication of The Lutheran
Message from the President ............................................................Inside front cover
Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, and
is distributed without charge to alumni/ae,
Offerings ..................................................................................................................................................2
faculty, staff, and friends of the seminary.
Alumni News ..................................................................................................................................20
© Copyright 2011 News and Notes ........................................................................................................................22
The Lutheran Theological Seminary
at Philadelphia Faculty/Staff Activities ........................................................................................................22
Volume 93 Number 2 Passages........................................................................................................................................25
In Memoriam ....................................................................................................................25
Centered in the Gospel of Jesus
Christ, The Lutheran Theological Around Admissions ................................................................................................27
Seminary at Philadelphia seeks to
educate and form public leaders who From the Foundation ......................................................................................28
are committed to developing and
nurturing individual believers and
communities of faith for engage-
ment in the world.

WEB EXTRA!
W
HEINRICH MELCHIOR
M U H L E N B E R G (1711 - 1787)
P ATRIARCH OF THE N ORTH A MERICAN L UTHERAN C HURCH
T R AV E L I N G E X H I B I T I O N O F THE F R A N C K E F O U N D AT I O N S D E D I C AT E D T O T H E MUHLENBERG
TERC ENTENARY I N 2011

Look for this icon throughout the

magazine for extra Web content!
D I M A N S K I

FRANCKESCHE
STIFTUNGEN
ZU HALLE With thanks for their support to our partners in the USA, especially the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia,
and to the Lotto Sachsen-Anhalt, the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, the Evangelical Church in Central Germany
OFFERINGS✛
HOW THE MUHLENBERG STATUE CAME TO BE
(Written by the late Dr. John Kaufmann in September 1992 for the 75th anniversary of the Muhlenberg Statue on the LTSP Campus)
Seventy-five years ago, on October 27, 1917, a significant event in
the life of the seminary occurred. As the Seminary Bulletin reported
at the time, “The grounds ... were filled to overflowing ... and all na-
ture smiled in the beauty of a glorious Indian Summer day, when
hundreds of delegates and visitors in attendance upon the General
Council and the Women’s Missionary Convention, together with
other friends of the Seminary, came by train and trolley to Mount
Airy …” The event? The unveiling of the monument in memory of
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg.
It had not been the original intention to erect this monument on
the campus. Initially conceived as part of the celebration by the
Lutheran Church of the quadricentennial of the Reformation, spe-
cific planning had fallen to the Muhlenberg Monument Committee
of the Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania and the
adjacent States. At its 1916 convention, the Ministerium had voted
that, as part of the celebration, it would erect a monument “to cost
not over ten thousand dollars, to be placed in a conspicuous place in
Philadelphia …” Funding was to come from contributions solicited
from congregations and their organizations.
A proposal presented by J. Otto Schweizer, a Swiss-born sculptor
working in Philadelphia, was approved and a contract executed. Mr.
Schweizer had done numerous projects involving historical person-
ages and had a very fine reputation. After training in Zurich, Dres-
den, and Florence, he had come to America in 1894, ultimately
settling in Philadelphia. He was employed for eleven years by the
Ketterlinus Lithographic Company. Following a strike
which seriously affected the company, he launched
out on his own, executing projects for both pri-
vate and public patrons, such as the German
Society of Pennsylvania, and a body
known as the United States Battlefield
Parks of Pennsylvania.
In 1911, his statue of Major Gen-
eral Peter Muhlenberg, commis-
sioned by the German society, was
unveiled at the southeast corner of
City Hall before what the
Philadelphia Public
Ledger called “prob-
ably the greatest
assembly of na-
tionalities
that has
ever
PS ✛ SPRING 2011
occurred in this city.” Over thirty-five thousand people took part in
the parade preceding the acceptance by the city of the statue.
Despite the reputation of the sculptor, many of whose works
stood on public ground (e.g., in Gettysburg and Valley Forge parks),
the city’s response to the Ministerium’s offer was cool. The Art Jury
of the city was petitioned for a suitable location but rejected several
suggested sites. The only solution appeared to be the incorporation
of the monument into the facade of a Lutheran building. The site of
the future Lutheran publication building, ultimately erected at 13th
and Spruce streets, was considered but abandoned because of uncer-
tainty as to when it might be constructed and whether the monu-
ment as proposed could be coordinated with it.
In a letter to Dr. Theodore E. Schmauk, President of the semi-
nary’s Board of Directors, written January 23, 1917, The Rev. F.O.
Evers, Chairperson of the Monument Committee, lamented that
there was “so much opposition on the part of the city Art Jury that
the whole project is seriously endangered.” He therefore inquired
whether the seminary board would provide a location on its campus.
In this way, he pointed out, “we shall be free from any outside influences …”
The correspondence does not reveal the reasons for the city’s cool
response. This being 1917, with war raging in Europe, the fact that
the monument was to commemorate a German, a member of the
clergy, who had played a leading role in the establishment of the
Lutheran denomination in America certainly must have been in-
volved. In any event, the seminary responded affirmatively and a de-
cision was made to locate the monument at the entrance to the campus.
As the saying goes, the rest is history — except for two complica-
tions. Unfortunately, the granite base and central figure of the patri-
arch were complete by dedication day but the bronze reliefs on each
side of it were not ready. As reported to the Ministerium in 1918 by
the Monument Committee, this was caused by “precarious labor
conditions and difficulties in transportation.” The work, however,
was soon finished and the committee was able to announce that it
had inspected the completed composition and that it had “unani-
mously approved” it.
The other problem? What else but money. The Auditing Com-
mittee of the Ministerium, in its 1918 convention report, an-
nounced that $8,415 had been borrowed “in order to meet
payments on the Muhlenberg Monument contract.” The Executive
Committee, therefore, proposed a process and the Committee of
Review of the Report of the Executive Committee recommended:
“That the Ministerium direct its Apportionment Committee to
apportion the sum of $15,000 for the purpose of meeting the obli-
gations incurred by the erection of the Muhlenberg Memorial
www.Ltsp.edu
MUHLENBERG 300 CELEBRATION BEGINS SEPTEMBER 6, 2011!
September 6, 2011, marks the 300th birthday anniversary of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, known as
the Father of American Lutheranism, and is also the opening day of the 148th Academic Year at The
Monument, with the provision
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP), often noted as the culmination of Muhlenberg’s
that such congregations as have
dream of a seminary in the great colonial city.
already made contributions to
To celebrate the day and kick off the Muhlenberg 300 year, LTSP is hosting a day of special events:
the fund (totaling $6,151.58)
• A Festival Worship will start the day’s events, with Bishop Claire Burkat presiding, and
shall receive credit on account
Bishop Roy Riley preaching.
of the said apportionment.” The
• Dr. Martin Marty, Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Service Professor
motion was approved.
Emeritus at the University of Chicago, will keynote the Opening
Subsequently, the Seminary
Convocation, speaking on “Henry Melchior Muhlenberg and the
Bulletin reported that most of
Current American Church Scape.”
the funding was met by offer-
• Afternoon workshops led by LTSP faculty will address various aspects
ings “chiefly from the Sunday
of Muhlenberg’s career and today’s church.
Schools of the Ministerium.”
• The Muhlenberg Exhibition will make its debut, featuring artifacts
In its final report, the Monu-
from the seminary and The Lutheran Archives Center at Philadelphia
ment Committee expressed its
and “Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, Patriarch of American Lutheranism”
“deep appreciation of the work
display created by the Francke Foundations of Halle, Germany.
of the artist, for the psychologi-
A festival banquet, with Bishop Samuel Zeiser offering the invocation
cal insight, technical skill and
and benediction, featuring an appearance by Henry himself, and serving as
historical fidelity which the
the kickoff for the Muhlenberg Heritage Campaign, will close the initial day
monument so strikingly reveals.
of celebration.
We feel that the ... monument …
Additional events at LTSP marking the Muhlenberg 300 Celebration
exhibits a work of art of rare
include Congregation Day on October 15, Fall Forum on November 7,
merit, and of which the Lutheran
Advent Vespers on December 4, Women’s Day on March 17, 2012, and
Church may justly feel proud.”
Spring Convocation, May 1-2, 2012.
Visit Ltsp.edu/Muhlenberg300 for more information, and sign up for the
Muhlenberg 300 eNewsletter at Ltsp.edu/Muhlenberg300Signup.
MUHLENBERG 300 SPEAKERS BUREAU
The Muhlenberg 300 celebration is many things beyond events at LTSP. The Muhlenberg 300 website (muhlenberg300.org) offers oppor-
tunities and resources for individuals, congregations and interested groups to share the Muhlenberg story and learn more about Henry Mel-
chior Muhlenberg and his contributions to the Lutheran Church and life in Colonial America. Explore the website and see what can be
useful, or where you can contribute.
One of the growing resources is the Muhlenberg 300 Speakers Bureau. LTSP faculty and other Muhlenberg experts are available to speak
to your congregation or group about Muhlenberg topics. Want to learn more about the Muhlenberg family and its influence in the
colonies? We have a speaker for that. What influence did Lutheran women have in Muhlenberg’s time — and how does their legacy carry
through to today? Yes, there’s a speaker for that. Interested in the artifacts from the archeological dig at Muhlenberg’s home in Trappe, PA
(article, p. 17)? Dig leader Louis Farrell is available to show and tell about the finds. Learn about Muhlenberg’s colonial letters from LTSP
Professor Timothy Wengert, or Muhlenberg’s work as a Public Theologian and the Importance of Religious Freedom from LTSP Professor
Jon Pahl.
Learn more about the speakers bureau and the speakers and talks available at Ltsp.edu/muhlenberg300-speakersbureau. Interested in
sharing your Muhlenberg knowledge or stories with others? We invite you to add your name and topics to the speakers bureau. Sign up
online at Ltsp.edu/muhlenberg-speakers-register.
PS ✛ SPRING 2011 www.Ltsp.edu 3
OFFERINGS✛
HOW THE MUHLENBERG STATUE CAME TO BE
(Written by the late Dr. John Kaufmann in September 1992 for the 75th anniversary of the Muhlenberg Statue on the LTSP Campus)
Seventy-five years ago, on October 27, 1917, a significant event in
the life of the seminary occurred. As the Seminary Bulletin reported
at the time, “The grounds ... were filled to overflowing ... and all na-
ture smiled in the beauty of a glorious Indian Summer day, when
hundreds of delegates and visitors in attendance upon the General
Council and the Women’s Missionary Convention, together with
other friends of the Seminary, came by train and trolley to Mount
Airy …” The event? The unveiling of the monument in memory of
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg.
It had not been the original intention to erect this monument on
the campus. Initially conceived as part of the celebration by the
Lutheran Church of the quadricentennial of the Reformation, spe-
cific planning had fallen to the Muhlenberg Monument Committee
of the Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania and the
adjacent States. At its 1916 convention, the Ministerium had voted
that, as part of the celebration, it would erect a monument “to cost
not over ten thousand dollars, to be placed in a conspicuous place in
Philadelphia …” Funding was to come from contributions solicited
from congregations and their organizations.
A proposal presented by J. Otto Schweizer, a Swiss-born sculptor
working in Philadelphia, was approved and a contract executed. Mr.
Schweizer had done numerous projects involving historical person-
ages and had a very fine reputation. After training in Zurich, Dres-
den, and Florence, he had come to America in 1894, ultimately
settling in Philadelphia. He was employed for eleven years by the
Ketterlinus Lithographic Company. Following a strike
which seriously affected the company, he launched
out on his own, executing projects for both pri-
vate and public patrons, such as the German
Society of Pennsylvania, and a body
known as the United States Battlefield
Parks of Pennsylvania.
In 1911, his statue of Major Gen-
eral Peter Muhlenberg, commis-
sioned by the German society, was
unveiled at the southeast corner of
City Hall before what the
Philadelphia Public
Ledger called “prob-
ably the greatest
assembly of na-
tionalities
that has
ever
PS ✛ SPRING 2011
occurred in this city.” Over thirty-five thousand people took part in
the parade preceding the acceptance by the city of the statue.
Despite the reputation of the sculptor, many of whose works
stood on public ground (e.g., in Gettysburg and Valley Forge parks),
the city’s response to the Ministerium’s offer was cool. The Art Jury
of the city was petitioned for a suitable location but rejected several
suggested sites. The only solution appeared to be the incorporation
of the monument into the facade of a Lutheran building. The site of
the future Lutheran publication building, ultimately erected at 13th
and Spruce streets, was considered but abandoned because of uncer-
tainty as to when it might be constructed and whether the monu-
ment as proposed could be coordinated with it.
In a letter to Dr. Theodore E. Schmauk, President of the semi-
nary’s Board of Directors, written January 23, 1917, The Rev. F.O.
Evers, Chairperson of the Monument Committee, lamented that
there was “so much opposition on the part of the city Art Jury that
the whole project is seriously endangered.” He therefore inquired
whether the seminary board would provide a location on its campus.
In this way, he pointed out, “we shall be free from any outside influences …”
The correspondence does not reveal the reasons for the city’s cool
response. This being 1917, with war raging in Europe, the fact that
the monument was to commemorate a German, a member of the
clergy, who had played a leading role in the establishment of the
Lutheran denomination in America certainly must have been in-
volved. In any event, the seminary responded affirmatively and a de-
cision was made to locate the monument at the entrance to the campus.
As the saying goes, the rest is history — except for two complica-
tions. Unfortunately, the granite base and central figure of the patri-
arch were complete by dedication day but the bronze reliefs on each
side of it were not ready. As reported to the Ministerium in 1918 by
the Monument Committee, this was caused by “precarious labor
conditions and difficulties in transportation.” The work, however,
was soon finished and the committee was able to announce that it
had inspected the completed composition and that it had “unani-
mously approved” it.
The other problem? What else but money. The Auditing Com-
mittee of the Ministerium, in its 1918 convention report, an-
nounced that $8,415 had been borrowed “in order to meet
payments on the Muhlenberg Monument contract.” The Executive
Committee, therefore, proposed a process and the Committee of
Review of the Report of the Executive Committee recommended:
“That the Ministerium direct its Apportionment Committee to
apportion the sum of $15,000 for the purpose of meeting the obli-
gations incurred by the erection of the Muhlenberg Memorial
www.Ltsp.edu
MUHLENBERG 300 CELEBRATION BEGINS SEPTEMBER 6, 2011!
September 6, 2011, marks the 300th birthday anniversary of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, known as
the Father of American Lutheranism, and is also the opening day of the 148th Academic Year at The
Monument, with the provision
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP), often noted as the culmination of Muhlenberg’s
that such congregations as have
dream of a seminary in the great colonial city.
already made contributions to
To celebrate the day and kick off the Muhlenberg 300 year, LTSP is hosting a day of special events:
the fund (totaling $6,151.58)
• A Festival Worship will start the day’s events, with Bishop Claire Burkat presiding, and
shall receive credit on account
Bishop Roy Riley preaching.
of the said apportionment.” The
• Dr. Martin Marty, Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Service Professor
motion was approved.
Emeritus at the University of Chicago, will keynote the Opening
Subsequently, the Seminary
Convocation, speaking on “Henry Melchior Muhlenberg and the
Bulletin reported that most of
Current American Church Scape.”
the funding was met by offer-
• Afternoon workshops led by LTSP faculty will address various aspects
ings “chiefly from the Sunday
of Muhlenberg’s career and today’s church.
Schools of the Ministerium.”
• The Muhlenberg Exhibition will make its debut, featuring artifacts
In its final report, the Monu-
from the seminary and The Lutheran Archives Center at Philadelphia
ment Committee expressed its
and “Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, Patriarch of American Lutheranism”
“deep appreciation of the work
display created by the Francke Foundations of Halle, Germany.
of the artist, for the psychologi-
A festival banquet, with Bishop Samuel Zeiser offering the invocation
cal insight, technical skill and
and benediction, featuring an appearance by Henry himself, and serving as
historical fidelity which the
the kickoff for the Muhlenberg Heritage Campaign, will close the initial day
monument so strikingly reveals.
of celebration.
We feel that the ... monument …
Additional events at LTSP marking the Muhlenberg 300 Celebration
exhibits a work of art of rare
include Congregation Day on October 15, Fall Forum on November 7,
merit, and of which the Lutheran
Advent Vespers on December 4, Women’s Day on March 17, 2012, and
Church may justly feel proud.”
Spring Convocation, May 1-2, 2012.
Visit Ltsp.edu/Muhlenberg300 for more information, and sign up for the
Muhlenberg 300 eNewsletter at Ltsp.edu/Muhlenberg300Signup.
MUHLENBERG 300 SPEAKERS BUREAU
The Muhlenberg 300 celebration is many things beyond events at LTSP. The Muhlenberg 300 website (muhlenberg300.org) offers oppor-
tunities and resources for individuals, congregations and interested groups to share the Muhlenberg story and learn more about Henry Mel-
chior Muhlenberg and his contributions to the Lutheran Church and life in Colonial America. Explore the website and see what can be
useful, or where you can contribute.
One of the growing resources is the Muhlenberg 300 Speakers Bureau. LTSP faculty and other Muhlenberg experts are available to speak
to your congregation or group about Muhlenberg topics. Want to learn more about the Muhlenberg family and its influence in the
colonies? We have a speaker for that. What influence did Lutheran women have in Muhlenberg’s time — and how does their legacy carry
through to today? Yes, there’s a speaker for that. Interested in the artifacts from the archeological dig at Muhlenberg’s home in Trappe, PA
(article, p. 17)? Dig leader Louis Farrell is available to show and tell about the finds. Learn about Muhlenberg’s colonial letters from LTSP
Professor Timothy Wengert, or Muhlenberg’s work as a Public Theologian and the Importance of Religious Freedom from LTSP Professor
Jon Pahl.
Learn more about the speakers bureau and the speakers and talks available at Ltsp.edu/muhlenberg300-speakersbureau. Interested in
sharing your Muhlenberg knowledge or stories with others? We invite you to add your name and topics to the speakers bureau. Sign up
online at Ltsp.edu/muhlenberg-speakers-register.
PS ✛ SPRING 2011 www.Ltsp.edu 3
OFFERINGS✛
Lutheran World Relief CEO and Pres- Hein-Fry lecturer Dr. Suneel Bhanu,
ident The Rev. Dr. John Nunes was Moderator/Bishop of the largest
joined by LTSP students for the O. Lutheran church body in India, The
Frederick Nolde lecture Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church
ACADEMIC YEAR THEME: A COLLECTION
“Theological Education in the Changed Context of the Church
and Society” was the theme for a series of convocations featuring
LTSP faculty and guest presenters, all exploring curricular implica-
tions of the changes underway in theological education. Change is
more perceptible with regard to the gender, age, and racial/ethnic
composition of faculty, staff and students. Patterns of seminary at-
tendance, academic schedule and the structure of the curricula are
undergoing change. With the advent of computers, Internet and
modern technology, new and creative modes of delivery of educa-
tion have been developed. Students have exhibited diverse motiva-
tions and vocational aspirations. Degrees have multiplied,
theological disciplines have become specialized and sources of fi-
nancial support have shifted. The cost of theological education,
dwindling support from denominations, debt load of students,
pressure to reduce duration requirements, have all raised serious
questions about the quality and sustainability of seminary educa-
tion over the long haul.
These changes to some extent reflect societal changes that have
impacted the church. The social location of the church and the
long-stand privileges the culture had extended to Christian
churches have now diminished. The religious landscape of our soci-
ety has undergone change. The face of Christianity too has
changed due to immigration and migration of people. Mainline de-
nominations have experienced significant decline in membership.
Denominations and denominational identity have weakened. In
short the ecology of theological education has changed and will
4 PS ✛ SPRING 2011
experience further changes. Much has changed and more changes
are on the way!
During the academic year, faculty from each curricular area ad-
dressed the issues from their perspective through four area lectures.
Bishop Roy Riley of the New Jersey Synod of the ELCA looked
from the outside, speaking on “Seminary Education: What the
Church Expects?” Special lectures included “Theological Educa-
tion in a Globalized World,“ the annual Hein-Fry Lecture, “Hear-
ing the Word: Lutherans Read the Bible with the Ecumenical
World,” that addressed global perspectives, and Lutheran World
Relief CEO and President The Rev. Dr. John Nunes was joined by
LTSP students for the O. Frederick Nolde lecture, which addresses
human rights issues. The students had participated during 2010 in
the Nolde Seminar, which alternates years with the Lecture.
Looking toward the future, the Board of Trustees and faculty,
staff, and students have reflected on the issues as part of a continuing
conversation to keep LTSP a seminary that remains at the forefront
of theological education that will serve the church long into the future.
WEB EXTRA!
W Harold Weiss recalled the names of influential mentors, such as
Recordings of these programs can be viewed online at
Ltsp.edu/ChangedContext.
DISTANCE LEARNING OFFERINGS
LTSP is working with Lancaster Theological Seminary to
develop a distance learning program that will offer courses for
students who are interested in a seminary education but not
able to move to campus full time or commute to campus for
classes. These courses will also offer an opportunity for those
who are drawn to theological learning, looking to “test the
waters” but not sure if a full masters program is right for them.
The schools are designing a full first year of courses leading to
the Master of Divinity with courses offered by both Philadel-
phia and Lancaster that will meet degree requirements and
with credits that will be accepted for either school’s degree
program.
LTSP will continue to offer selected distance learning and
intensive courses on both the first professional (Master of Di-
vinity and Master of Arts in Religion) that have been success-
fully presented for a number of years, with the new course
program taking advantage of the latest pedagogical advances in
teaching and learning is a distance learning environment.
More information, including fees and admission resources, can
be found online at Ltsp.edu/DistanceLearning.
www.Ltsp.edu
Evan Davis Samantha Drennan Julie Recher
Pamela Peterson Taryn Montgomery Altressa Boatright
Tiffany Chaney Colleen Hetrick Ben Siebert
STUDENT ACADEMIC AWARDS
LTSP is proud of the academic achievements of its outstanding
students, who are fine examples of the seminary’s mission of prepar-
ing ordained and lay ministers of the Word as leaders for the mission
of the church in the world. LTSP awards a number of scholarships
for academic achievement presented at selected fall and spring con-
vocations each academic year. The Rev. Dr. J. Paul Rajashekar, semi-
nary dean, presented awards to the following students, listed with
the award they received:
Evan Davis — Paul J. Hoh/Elizabeth Reed Award
Samantha Drennan — Traci L. Maul Award
Julie Recher — Karl Elser Wurster Memorial Award
Pamela Peterson — The Dr. LeRoy Aden Scholarship
in Pastoral Care
Taryn Montgomery — The Atonement Lutheran Church
of Asbury Park, New Jersey, Preaching Award
Altressa Boatright and Tiffany Chaney — The Rev. Dr. Joseph
Q. Jackson Endowed Scholarship Award for UTI students
Colleen Hetrick — The Dr. and Mrs. William Reifsnyder
Leadership for Mission Award
Ben Siebert — The Roy L. Winters and Sarah Stober
Winters Scholarship
More details and photos of the awardees can be found online at
Ltsp.edu/scholarship-awardees.
PS ✛ SPRING 2011
HAROLD AND MARY ANNE WEISS RECEIVE
SOLI DEO GLORIA AWARD
The Rev. Dr. Harold S. Weiss ’55 and Mary Anne Weiss were pre-
sented on December 5, 2010 with the Soli Deo Gloria Award from
The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP), hon-
oring the Allentown, Pennsylvania, couple for their decades of serv-
ice to the church and seminary. The award is presented annually to
pay tribute to donors and friends of the seminary.
Dr. Weiss served for 13 years as Bishop of the Northeastern
Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Amer-
ica, and for many years as a seminary trustee. Mary Anne Weiss has
been involved in decades of volunteer and church service in the
Lehigh Valley and beyond.
In expressing thanks for the award at the annual Advent Vespers
dinner, Mary Anne Weiss encouraged support for the seminary, not-
ing in her experience “that the congregations that do well have the
best-trained pastors and best-prepared lay leaders.” She urged the
laity in the audience to “take advantage of the opportunities before
them to minister.”
Professors Martin Heinecken and Ted Doberstein. He also acknowl-
edged the late Wilson Touhsaent, who preceded him as synodical
bishop, and others. “Thanks for this honor,” Weiss said. “It is mean-
ingful to us beyond words. As the name of the award says, the glory
for an award like this is really God’s alone. While the spotlight
shines on us tonight, I hope you will see this as an occasion where
the floodlight shines on all around us who minister well and sup-
port the seminary and the church.”
Learn more about Harold and Mary Anne Weiss and their exemplary
leadership and service to the church and the seminary online at
Ltsp.edu/SoliDeoGloria2010.
www.Ltsp.edu 5
OFFERINGS✛
Lutheran World Relief CEO and Pres- Hein-Fry lecturer Dr. Suneel Bhanu,
ident The Rev. Dr. John Nunes was Moderator/Bishop of the largest
joined by LTSP students for the O. Lutheran church body in India, The
Frederick Nolde lecture Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church
ACADEMIC YEAR THEME: A COLLECTION
“Theological Education in the Changed Context of the Church
and Society” was the theme for a series of convocations featuring
LTSP faculty and guest presenters, all exploring curricular implica-
tions of the changes underway in theological education. Change is
more perceptible with regard to the gender, age, and racial/ethnic
composition of faculty, staff and students. Patterns of seminary at-
tendance, academic schedule and the structure of the curricula are
undergoing change. With the advent of computers, Internet and
modern technology, new and creative modes of delivery of educa-
tion have been developed. Students have exhibited diverse motiva-
tions and vocational aspirations. Degrees have multiplied,
theological disciplines have become specialized and sources of fi-
nancial support have shifted. The cost of theological education,
dwindling support from denominations, debt load of students,
pressure to reduce duration requirements, have all raised serious
questions about the quality and sustainability of seminary educa-
tion over the long haul.
These changes to some extent reflect societal changes that have
impacted the church. The social location of the church and the
long-stand privileges the culture had extended to Christian
churches have now diminished. The religious landscape of our soci-
ety has undergone change. The face of Christianity too has
changed due to immigration and migration of people. Mainline de-
nominations have experienced significant decline in membership.
Denominations and denominational identity have weakened. In
short the ecology of theological education has changed and will
4 PS ✛ SPRING 2011
experience further changes. Much has changed and more changes
are on the way!
During the academic year, faculty from each curricular area ad-
dressed the issues from their perspective through four area lectures.
Bishop Roy Riley of the New Jersey Synod of the ELCA looked
from the outside, speaking on “Seminary Education: What the
Church Expects?” Special lectures included “Theological Educa-
tion in a Globalized World,“ the annual Hein-Fry Lecture, “Hear-
ing the Word: Lutherans Read the Bible with the Ecumenical
World,” that addressed global perspectives, and Lutheran World
Relief CEO and President The Rev. Dr. John Nunes was joined by
LTSP students for the O. Frederick Nolde lecture, which addresses
human rights issues. The students had participated during 2010 in
the Nolde Seminar, which alternates years with the Lecture.
Looking toward the future, the Board of Trustees and faculty,
staff, and students have reflected on the issues as part of a continuing
conversation to keep LTSP a seminary that remains at the forefront
of theological education that will serve the church long into the future.
WEB EXTRA!
W Harold Weiss recalled the names of influential mentors, such as
Recordings of these programs can be viewed online at
Ltsp.edu/ChangedContext.
DISTANCE LEARNING OFFERINGS
LTSP is working with Lancaster Theological Seminary to
develop a distance learning program that will offer courses for
students who are interested in a seminary education but not
able to move to campus full time or commute to campus for
classes. These courses will also offer an opportunity for those
who are drawn to theological learning, looking to “test the
waters” but not sure if a full masters program is right for them.
The schools are designing a full first year of courses leading to
the Master of Divinity with courses offered by both Philadel-
phia and Lancaster that will meet degree requirements and
with credits that will be accepted for either school’s degree
program.
LTSP will continue to offer selected distance learning and
intensive courses on both the first professional (Master of Di-
vinity and Master of Arts in Religion) that have been success-
fully presented for a number of years, with the new course
program taking advantage of the latest pedagogical advances in
teaching and learning is a distance learning environment.
More information, including fees and admission resources, can
be found online at Ltsp.edu/DistanceLearning.
www.Ltsp.edu
Evan Davis Samantha Drennan Julie Recher
Pamela Peterson Taryn Montgomery Altressa Boatright
Tiffany Chaney Colleen Hetrick Ben Siebert
STUDENT ACADEMIC AWARDS
LTSP is proud of the academic achievements of its outstanding
students, who are fine examples of the seminary’s mission of prepar-
ing ordained and lay ministers of the Word as leaders for the mission
of the church in the world. LTSP awards a number of scholarships
for academic achievement presented at selected fall and spring con-
vocations each academic year. The Rev. Dr. J. Paul Rajashekar, semi-
nary dean, presented awards to the following students, listed with
the award they received:
Evan Davis — Paul J. Hoh/Elizabeth Reed Award
Samantha Drennan — Traci L. Maul Award
Julie Recher — Karl Elser Wurster Memorial Award
Pamela Peterson — The Dr. LeRoy Aden Scholarship
in Pastoral Care
Taryn Montgomery — The Atonement Lutheran Church
of Asbury Park, New Jersey, Preaching Award
Altressa Boatright and Tiffany Chaney — The Rev. Dr. Joseph
Q. Jackson Endowed Scholarship Award for UTI students
Colleen Hetrick — The Dr. and Mrs. William Reifsnyder
Leadership for Mission Award
Ben Siebert — The Roy L. Winters and Sarah Stober
Winters Scholarship
More details and photos of the awardees can be found online at
Ltsp.edu/scholarship-awardees.
PS ✛ SPRING 2011
HAROLD AND MARY ANNE WEISS RECEIVE
SOLI DEO GLORIA AWARD
The Rev. Dr. Harold S. Weiss ’55 and Mary Anne Weiss were pre-
sented on December 5, 2010 with the Soli Deo Gloria Award from
The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP), hon-
oring the Allentown, Pennsylvania, couple for their decades of serv-
ice to the church and seminary. The award is presented annually to
pay tribute to donors and friends of the seminary.
Dr. Weiss served for 13 years as Bishop of the Northeastern
Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Amer-
ica, and for many years as a seminary trustee. Mary Anne Weiss has
been involved in decades of volunteer and church service in the
Lehigh Valley and beyond.
In expressing thanks for the award at the annual Advent Vespers
dinner, Mary Anne Weiss encouraged support for the seminary, not-
ing in her experience “that the congregations that do well have the
best-trained pastors and best-prepared lay leaders.” She urged the
laity in the audience to “take advantage of the opportunities before
them to minister.”
Professors Martin Heinecken and Ted Doberstein. He also acknowl-
edged the late Wilson Touhsaent, who preceded him as synodical
bishop, and others. “Thanks for this honor,” Weiss said. “It is mean-
ingful to us beyond words. As the name of the award says, the glory
for an award like this is really God’s alone. While the spotlight
shines on us tonight, I hope you will see this as an occasion where
the floodlight shines on all around us who minister well and sup-
port the seminary and the church.”
Learn more about Harold and Mary Anne Weiss and their exemplary
leadership and service to the church and the seminary online at
Ltsp.edu/SoliDeoGloria2010.
www.Ltsp.edu 5
 Sharing the Public and
Private Witness
of
Henry Melchior

Muhlenberg
HENRY MELCHIOR MUHLENBERG WAS AN IMMIGRANT who set foot in Philadelphia on November
Thanks to the dedication of Drs. Kurt Wengert let us hear the heartbeat of this almanac for the German colonists living
25, 1742. He had his clothes, some books, and a letter that spelled out a three year term-call to three small Lutheran Aland and Hermann Wellenreuther, who immigrant pastor who worked at securing along the eastern seaboard. All this Muh-
congregations located in Philadelphia, New Hanover, and Trappe. The term-call expired in 1745, but he remained in worked while Germany was being lead to the American Lutheran church on solid lenberg did not for his glorification but, as
reunification, the 1,043 letters that sur- legal, financial, and doctrinal foundations. he stated in a letter dated December 20,
Pennsylvania. He married and built a home for his family and established a church that welcomed thousands of German immigrants
vived were released in five massive volumes Thanks to their diligence, we experience 1764, “for the glory of God [and] for the
who left their families and the familiar to begin a new life in British North America. between 1986 and 2002. the tensions Muhlenberg faced as he strug- good of our Evangelical [Lutheran]
The task of translating the Correspon- gled to bridge the growing gap between Church in this western wilderness.”
Planting the church in this new environ- about by the French and Indian War (1756- The Journals and Correspondence dence into English began in the late 1980s identities that were becoming conflicted: As we, the spiritual descendants of
ment, however, was no easy task. Although 63) and the American Revolution (1775-83). of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg with Drs. John Kleiner in Canada and Hel- German missionary and American cleric, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, prepare to
Muhlenberg arrived with a wealth of Old The external scaffolding emerged after Muhlenberg documented his forty-five mut Lehmann at LTSP working on the let- British subject and Pennsylvania citizen, celebrate the 300th Anniversary of his
World pastoral experience, he was not pre- years of ministry to a population that was years of public ministry in his Journals and ters exchanged during the first decade of provider for his family and pastor to thou- birth on September 6, 2011, we are fortu-
pared for Pennsylvania’s religious pluralism very mobile, when immigration was ongo- Correspondence that he sent to advisors in Muhlenberg’s public ministry (1740- sands scattered across several colonies. nate to have the Journals and now an im-
or its religious freedom in which the gov- ing, and the church’s mission and authority Europe and left with his family in Pennsyl- 1752). By 1997, Picton Press had pub- While it’s tempting to venerate Muhlen- portant portion of the Correspondence in
ernment had no role in the administration had to be redefined for the American con- vania. After the original handwritten vol- lished 127 letters in two volumes along berg as a “Christian superhero,” it is in the English. These essential resources let us
of the church, and congregational issues text. With no blueprint or instruction umes of the Journals that had survived were with the footnotes of its editors who iden- letters written during the French and In- journey with this immigrant cleric who
were decided by the majority vote of its manual to guide him, Muhlenberg moved assembled at LTSP, Drs. John W. Dober- tified the individuals, issues, and places for dian War that we see him dealing with a planted a church in the American colonial
members. slowly and shared his thoughts and con- stein and Theodore G. Tappert translated the English reading public. mid-life crisis, the shortcomings of his pas- context, transforming its mission and au-
Yet he survived, and at the time of his cerns by corresponding with colleagues them into English. The Muhlenberg Press But this was only the beginning. The ef- toral colleagues, and the emotional drain thority to meet the needs of a mobile pop-
death (1787) had established a network of here and in Europe. In the reflections that released their edition of three volumes be- forts of Drs. Wolfgang Splitter in Halle, caused by an ongoing conflict in the Ger- ulation while embracing ongoing
Lutheran congregations along the eastern follow, faculty and friends of The Lutheran tween 1942 and 1958, and an abridged Germany, and Timothy Wengert at LTSP mantown congregation. immigration. Since we face similar issues
seaboard that were linked by the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia edition in 1959. Fortress Press reprinted have given us Volumes 3 and 4, an English We feel him mourning the loss of family today, Muhlenberg and his missionary
Confessions, a liturgy, a hymnal, as well as (LTSP) who have read Muhlenberg’s Cor- the abridged edition in 1998. Yet without translation of the 121 letters written by or and friends in Germany and the brutal ministry remain relevant and have something
a congregational and synodical constitu- respondence will share their insights on how Muhlenberg’s Correspondence, the picture sent to Muhlenberg during the second massacre of German settlers on the Penn- to say to us in the twenty-first century.✛
tion. This “external scaffolding,” as he they see him engaging people and the issues of this colonial cleric remained incomplete. decade of his pastorate (1753-1762), the sylvania frontier. When he is able to re-
called it, enabled the Lutheran Church to of the day. Working with the Correspondence was On the following pages, LTSP faculty and
years of the French and Indian War. Care- gain some perspective, he plans for the
move with the expanding frontier, interact complicated since the letters were distrib- an alumnus reflect on the Muhlenberg
fully navigating the complexities of future and thinks about establishing a
with the English-speaking host society, and uted in the United States, England, and letters, demonstrating their relevance to
baroque German sentences that can easily school, an orphanage, and a publishing
weather the seismic political shifts brought post-World War II divided Germany. today’s society.
stretch over twenty lines, Drs. Splitter and house that will print a newspaper and

6 PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg www.Ltsp.edu PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg www.Ltsp.edu 7
 Sharing the Public and
Private Witness
of
Henry Melchior

Muhlenberg
HENRY MELCHIOR MUHLENBERG WAS AN IMMIGRANT who set foot in Philadelphia on November Thanks to the dedication of Drs. Kurt immigrant pastor who worked at securing lenberg did not for his glorification but, as
Aland and Hermann Wellenreuther, who the American Lutheran church on solid he stated in a letter dated December 20,
25, 1742. He had his clothes, some books, and a letter that spelled out a three year term-call to three small Lutheran worked while Germany was being lead to legal, financial, and doctrinal foundations. 1764, “for the glory of God [and] for the
congregations located in Philadelphia, New Hanover, and Trappe. The term-call expired in 1745, but he remained in reunification, the 1,043 letters that sur- Thanks to their diligence, we experience good of our Evangelical [Lutheran]
Pennsylvania. He married and built a home for his family and established a church that welcomed thousands of German immigrants vived were released in five massive volumes the tensions Muhlenberg faced as he strug- Church in this western wilderness.”
between 1986 and 2002. gled to bridge the growing gap between As we, the spiritual descendants of
who left their families and the familiar to begin a new life in British North America. The task of translating the Correspon- identities that were becoming conflicted: Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, prepare to
dence into English began in the late 1980s German missionary and American cleric, celebrate the 300th Anniversary of his
Planting the church in this new environ- about by the French and Indian War (1756- The Journals and Correspondence with Drs. John Kleiner in Canada and Hel- British subject and Pennsylvania citizen, birth on September 6, 2011, we are fortu-
ment, however, was no easy task. Although 63) and the American Revolution (1775-83). of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg
mut Lehmann at LTSP working on the let- provider for his family and pastor to thou- nate to have the Journals and now an im-
Muhlenberg arrived with a wealth of Old The external scaffolding emerged after Muhlenberg documented his forty-five ters exchanged during the first decade of sands scattered across several colonies. portant portion of the Correspondence in
World pastoral experience, he was not pre- years of ministry to a population that was years of public ministry in his Journals and Muhlenberg’s public ministry (1740- While it’s tempting to venerate Muhlen- English. These essential resources let us
pared for Pennsylvania’s religious pluralism very mobile, when immigration was ongo- Correspondence that he sent to advisors in 1752). By 1997, Picton Press had pub- berg as a “Christian superhero,” it is in the journey with this immigrant cleric who
or its religious freedom in which the gov- ing, and the church’s mission and authority Europe and left with his family in Pennsyl- lished 127 letters in two volumes along letters written during the French and In- planted a church in the American colonial
ernment had no role in the administration had to be redefined for the American con- vania. After the original handwritten vol- with the footnotes of its editors who iden- dian War that we see him dealing with a context, transforming its mission and au-
of the church, and congregational issues text. With no blueprint or instruction umes of the Journals that had survived were tified the individuals, issues, and places for mid-life crisis, the shortcomings of his pas- thority to meet the needs of a mobile pop-
were decided by the majority vote of its manual to guide him, Muhlenberg moved assembled at LTSP, Drs. John W. Dober- the English reading public. toral colleagues, and the emotional drain ulation while embracing ongoing
members. slowly and shared his thoughts and con- stein and Theodore G. Tappert translated But this was only the beginning. The ef- caused by an ongoing conflict in the Ger- immigration. Since we face similar issues
Yet he survived, and at the time of his cerns by corresponding with colleagues them into English. The Muhlenberg Press forts of Drs. Wolfgang Splitter in Halle, mantown congregation. today, Muhlenberg and his missionary
death (1787) had established a network of here and in Europe. In the reflections that released their edition of three volumes be- Germany, and Timothy Wengert at LTSP We feel him mourning the loss of family ministry remain relevant and have something
Lutheran congregations along the eastern follow, faculty and friends of The Lutheran tween 1942 and 1958, and an abridged have given us Volumes 3 and 4, an English and friends in Germany and the brutal to say to us in the twenty-first century.✛
seaboard that were linked by the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia edition in 1959. Fortress Press reprinted translation of the 121 letters written by or massacre of German settlers on the Penn-
Confessions, a liturgy, a hymnal, as well as (LTSP) who have read Muhlenberg’s Cor- — The Rev. Dr. Karl Krueger is Director of
the abridged edition in 1998. Yet without sent to Muhlenberg during the second sylvania frontier. When he is able to re-
a congregational and synodical constitu- respondence will share their insights on how the Krauth Memorial Library and Associate
Muhlenberg’s Correspondence, the picture decade of his pastorate (1753-1762), the gain some perspective, he plans for the
tion. This “external scaffolding,” as he they see him engaging people and the issues Professor of the History of Christianity.
of this colonial cleric remained incomplete. years of the French and Indian War. Care- future and thinks about establishing a
called it, enabled the Lutheran Church to of the day. Working with the Correspondence was fully navigating the complexities of school, an orphanage, and a publishing On the following pages, LTSP faculty and
move with the expanding frontier, interact complicated since the letters were distrib- baroque German sentences that can easily house that will print a newspaper and an alumnus reflect on the Muhlenberg
with the English-speaking host society, and uted in the United States, England, and stretch over twenty lines, Drs. Splitter and almanac for the German colonists living letters, demonstrating their relevance to
weather the seismic political shifts brought post-World War II divided Germany. Wengert let us hear the heartbeat of this along the eastern seaboard. All this Muh- today’s society.

6 PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg www.Ltsp.edu PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg www.Ltsp.edu 7

1711
1707
England, Scotland, and
Wales are combined into
the United Kingdom of
Great Britain by the Act
of Union.
1707
1710
The British Parliament
passes the Post Office
Act that creates a postal
system in the American
colonies. Is controlled by
the postmaster general
of London and his deputy
in New York City.
For Amanda Bernecker, Muhlenberg
heritage is “a personal thing, part of
who I am”
Five generations of Amanda Joy Bernecker’s German-heritage
Lutheran family are still alive as of this writing, so it is no wonder that
Bernecker feels a kinship with North American Lutheran Patriarch
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg.
“The Muhlenberg name was one
that I heard since childhood,” Ber-
necker said. The 23-year-old is a first-
year seminarian at The Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.
“Henry Muhlenberg had a huge influ-
ence on us as modern-day Lutherans,”
Bernecker added. “Without his ministry
to German immigrants in colonial East-
ern Pennsylvania, we wouldn’t be here
today as the kind of community of faith
we are.”
Bernecker grew up in Good Shep-
herd Lutheran Church in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Because of her
German heritage, she said simply that “the Muhlenberg legacy is not
only a Lutheran legacy, but it is a personal legacy for me. It’s part of
who I am.” It didn’t hurt that Bernecker got an expanded view of the
legacy by attending Muhlenberg College. She graduated in 2010, hav-
ing majored in psychology with a minor in women’s studies.
Bernecker’s decision to attend seminary is a testimony to the differ-
ence a congregation can make in a young person’s faith formation.
Both of her parents taught Sunday School at Good Shepherd and
served as youth advisors. Amanda sang in the children’s and adult
choirs. She has served on the Christian Education Committee, and
after she was confirmed was appointed to congregation council.
“The church feels like family to me,” she said. “I’ve always felt en-
couraged by members of the congregation.” Pastors Peter Kuritz and
Janell Wigen have been mentors to Bernecker. “I’ve had conversations
with Pastor Wigen about discernment because we have worked
closely together in the areas of education and youth ministry,” Ber-
necker said. Pastor Wigen’s ministry helped to confirm Bernecker’s
confidence in serving as a female pastor.
At Muhlenberg, Bernecker was profoundly influenced by volunteer-
ing at the college’s Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding. The
program focuses on encouraging interfaith dialogue.
She explained churches in a global context cannot afford to be iso-
lated within their communities. “They need to dialogue and work for
understanding with people of other faiths in their communities.
Churches that remain isolated will fail.”
8 PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg
Queen Anne of England
Sept. 6 Henry
Melchior Muhlenberg died. Succeeded in
(HMM) born in August by George, the
1713
Queen Anne’s War
Einbeck, Germany. Elector of Hanover.
ends with the Treaty
Crowned King George I,
of Utrecht
Last execution for King of Great Britain,
witchcraft in England. Ireland, and the Colonies.
1712
1714
Carolina colony is Karl Philipp Emanuel
officially divided into Bach, J.S. Bach’s second
North Carolina and son is born.
1715
South Carolina.
Future Frederick the
Great of Prussia born.
COMMUNITY
For the last six years, my research has taken me up and
down Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia countless times on
foot, by bus, or by car. As I have gotten to know the many congre-
gations along the 8.5 miles once known as The Great Road — from
grand historic churches to small storefront congregations — I have
wondered how an earlier traveler along this same route would expe-
rience it now.
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg knew Germantown Avenue all too
well. In serving the newly-planted congregations in Philadelphia,
Germantown, Providence, and New Hanover, he made the arduous
34 mile trek countless times. Constant travel on the muddy and
rutted road wearied him: “riding all the time ... saps my physical
and spiritual energies” (#184 2/27/59). We still complain about
the potholes on the Avenue, which would not come as a surprise to
Muhlenberg. Earlier in my career students revolted when I decided
to teach a required course at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church; they
feared the three quarter-mile trip along Germantown Avenue
would ruin the chassis of their cars. Despite its perennial ruts and
potholes, however, people have been drawn to worship God along
the Avenue for over 350 years.
As often as I travel along the Belgian blocks and trolley tracks of
the Avenue, I marvel how it is constantly changing. Each trip brings
a new discovery — a new church opens, a business is closing, a lot is
being developed, another language is being spoken by pedestrians.
Would decades of change make the Avenue unrecognizable to
Henry?
Certainly, many of the ecclesial neighbors to St. Michael’s which
he constantly passed are still standing and have congregations
which have continued since Muhlenberg’s day, including Mennon-
ite (founded in 1683), Quaker (1690), and Brethren (1723) meet-
ing houses, and the old Reformed church on Market Square (1733)
where both Muhlenberg and George Whitfield preached. German-
town Avenue was becoming an ecumenical corridor in William
Penn’s Holy Experiment of religious pluralism. Those who had
come from mono-religious territories in Europe, or even areas in
which Anabaptists, Reformed, and Lutheran communities were
hostile, if not outright persecuting each other, were now learning to
1719
Handel appointed the
director of Royal
Academy of Music,
1716
1720
Peter the Great, Czar of
1718
William Penn dies. London.
Russia, visits Europe for Wallpaper becomes
the second time. fashionable in England.
England declares Daniel Defoe published First serialization of
war on Spain. Robinson Crusoe. novels in newspapers.
George I, King of
England and Elector New Orleans
of Hanover, opens founded by the
1721
Parliament. French.
share urban space. Pastor Muhlenberg was himself amazed with the
religious diversity. In a letter to Johann Georg Bruchholtz Provi-
dence, (12 Sept 1753) he wrote:
“The privilege of freedom of conscience is the reason for all the
different kinds of religions being practiced here. The free inhabi-
tants and indentured servants consist of English, Irish, Scots,
Swedes, French, Dutch, Germans, the local yellow Indians and
black Africans. They are so-called Quakers, Anglicans, Presbyteri-
ans, Mennonites, Saturday and Sunday Anabaptists, Separatists,
Schwenckfelders, Zinzendorfers, Roman Catholics, Reformed,
Lutherans.”
Without editorial comment, he goes on to note that the “so-
called” Quakers had both male and female preachers.
Of course, the religious pluralism along Germantown Avenue
and throughout the city has continued. Anabaptists are no longer
divided along Saturday/Sunday groups but now there are all man-
ner of Baptists along the Avenue, accounting for about half of the
congregations. There are ten more Mainline Protestant churches
now as Methodists, Episcopalians, and Congregationalists joined
the Lutherans and Presbyterians on Germantown Avenue. New im-
migrants have continued to plant congregations; although their ac-
cents are Spanish, rather than German, they have the same
challenges of adjusting to a new context and the same congrega-
tional tensions around language that Muhlenberg encountered. But
the current religious pluralism along the route he knew so well
would amaze him. Pentecostal, Black Hebrew, Hurleyite, and
Apostolic congregations would have been beyond his imagining,
not to mention the two Muslim masjids. The Roman Catholic
church on Germantown and Hunting Park was razed in recent
years by a mega church, whose yellow brick modern structure re-
placed the grey Gothic structure. This is one of three megachurches
on Germantown Avenue, different in theology and liturgy than
what Muhlenberg was used to, but growing out of the same soil of
religious tolerance and the need for city folk to find meaning in in-
creasingly complex urban life.
Muhlenberg’s correspondence reflects his awareness of Negroes,
but the demographic shifts since would probably catch him by sur-
www.Ltsp.edu PS ✛ SPRING 2011
1722
The Moravian
settlement Herrnhut
founded in Saxony by
1726
Peter I proclaimed
Count Zinzendorf.
Emperor of All the G.F. Handel becomes
Russias. a British subject.
1726
J.S. Bach composes The J.S. Bach appointed
Brandenburg Concertos. cantor of St. Thomas
after Georg Philipp
1723
Telemann refuses
the post.
prise. Those of European descent no longer predominate — today
much of Germantown Avenue runs through neighborhoods that
are solidly African American. With each census, there has been an
increasing numbers of the poor as well. Although the Great Road
goes through the most affluent neighborhoods of Philadelphia, it
also goes through the poorest. The legacy of slavery and discrimina-
tion is reflected in the ongoing economic struggle of so many
African Americans in Philadelphia. Muhlenberg occasionally re-
ported on the presence of slavery without flinching, such as when
pastors would be provided with parsonage and slaves. There cer-
tainly was theological discussion about the sinfulness of slavery he
would have no doubt heard about. In 1688 the first faith-based
statement against slavery was developed and signed on German-
town Avenue by some of his Mennonite and Quaker neighbors.
Despite this blind spot, Pastor Muhlenberg had a heart for the
poor. In the same letter to Johann Bruchholtz in 1753 he wrote:
“We wish to set up schools and institutions for the poor, for we
have learned from experience that building the kingdom of God
must begin vigorously with the poor, abandoned and numerous
youth ... There are an immense number of poor widows and or-
phans and other children of many nations in Philadelphia and
Germantown.”
Some days as I walk along Germantown Avenue, taking in the
changes and the challenges, I wonder what Henry Melchior Muh-
lenberg would make of all this. He might be surprised by the prolif-
eration of religious groups and grieved by the spread of poverty.
But perhaps he would be heartened that the Lutherans at St.
Michael’s are not embroiled in a boisterous church fight but are
feeding the poor, that those at Trinity and Christ Ascension
Lutheran churches have particular ministries with children, and we
here at LTSP, under the very shadow of his statue, are forming lead-
ers who understand that “building up the kingdom of God must
begin vigorously with the poor …”
The Rev. Dr. Katie Day is The Charles A. Scheiren Professor, Church
and Society and Director, Metropolitan/Urban Concentration.
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg www.Ltsp.edu 9

1711
1707
England, Scotland, and
Wales are combined into
the United Kingdom of
Great Britain by the Act
of Union.
1707
1710
The British Parliament
passes the Post Office
Act that creates a postal
system in the American
colonies. Is controlled by
the postmaster general
of London and his deputy
in New York City.
For Amanda Bernecker, Muhlenberg
heritage is “a personal thing, part of
who I am”
Five generations of Amanda Joy Bernecker’s German-heritage
Lutheran family are still alive as of this writing, so it is no wonder that
Bernecker feels a kinship with North American Lutheran Patriarch
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg.
“The Muhlenberg name was one
that I heard since childhood,” Ber-
necker said. The 23-year-old is a first-
year seminarian at The Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.
“Henry Muhlenberg had a huge influ-
ence on us as modern-day Lutherans,”
Bernecker added. “Without his ministry
to German immigrants in colonial East-
ern Pennsylvania, we wouldn’t be here
today as the kind of community of faith
we are.”
Bernecker grew up in Good Shep-
herd Lutheran Church in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Because of her
German heritage, she said simply that “the Muhlenberg legacy is not
only a Lutheran legacy, but it is a personal legacy for me. It’s part of
who I am.” It didn’t hurt that Bernecker got an expanded view of the
legacy by attending Muhlenberg College. She graduated in 2010, hav-
ing majored in psychology with a minor in women’s studies.
Bernecker’s decision to attend seminary is a testimony to the differ-
ence a congregation can make in a young person’s faith formation.
Both of her parents taught Sunday School at Good Shepherd and
served as youth advisors. Amanda sang in the children’s and adult
choirs. She has served on the Christian Education Committee, and
after she was confirmed was appointed to congregation council.
“The church feels like family to me,” she said. “I’ve always felt en-
couraged by members of the congregation.” Pastors Peter Kuritz and
Janell Wigen have been mentors to Bernecker. “I’ve had conversations
with Pastor Wigen about discernment because we have worked
closely together in the areas of education and youth ministry,” Ber-
necker said. Pastor Wigen’s ministry helped to confirm Bernecker’s
confidence in serving as a female pastor.
At Muhlenberg, Bernecker was profoundly influenced by volunteer-
ing at the college’s Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding. The
program focuses on encouraging interfaith dialogue.
She explained churches in a global context cannot afford to be iso-
lated within their communities. “They need to dialogue and work for
understanding with people of other faiths in their communities.
Churches that remain isolated will fail.”
8 PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg
Queen Anne of England
Sept. 6 Henry
Melchior Muhlenberg died. Succeeded in
(HMM) born in August by George, the
1713
Queen Anne’s War
Einbeck, Germany. Elector of Hanover.
ends with the Treaty
Crowned King George I,
of Utrecht
Last execution for King of Great Britain,
witchcraft in England. Ireland, and the Colonies.
1712
1714
Carolina colony is Karl Philipp Emanuel
officially divided into Bach, J.S. Bach’s second
North Carolina and son is born.
1715
South Carolina.
Future Frederick the
Great of Prussia born.
COMMUNITY
For the last six years, my research has taken me up and
down Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia countless times on
foot, by bus, or by car. As I have gotten to know the many congre-
gations along the 8.5 miles once known as The Great Road — from
grand historic churches to small storefront congregations — I have
wondered how an earlier traveler along this same route would expe-
rience it now.
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg knew Germantown Avenue all too
well. In serving the newly-planted congregations in Philadelphia,
Germantown, Providence, and New Hanover, he made the arduous
34 mile trek countless times. Constant travel on the muddy and
rutted road wearied him: “riding all the time ... saps my physical
and spiritual energies” (#184 2/27/59). We still complain about
the potholes on the Avenue, which would not come as a surprise to
Muhlenberg. Earlier in my career students revolted when I decided
to teach a required course at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church; they
feared the three quarter-mile trip along Germantown Avenue
would ruin the chassis of their cars. Despite its perennial ruts and
potholes, however, people have been drawn to worship God along
the Avenue for over 350 years.
As often as I travel along the Belgian blocks and trolley tracks of
the Avenue, I marvel how it is constantly changing. Each trip brings
a new discovery — a new church opens, a business is closing, a lot is
being developed, another language is being spoken by pedestrians.
Would decades of change make the Avenue unrecognizable to
Henry?
Certainly, many of the ecclesial neighbors to St. Michael’s which
he constantly passed are still standing and have congregations
which have continued since Muhlenberg’s day, including Mennon-
ite (founded in 1683), Quaker (1690), and Brethren (1723) meet-
ing houses, and the old Reformed church on Market Square (1733)
where both Muhlenberg and George Whitfield preached. German-
town Avenue was becoming an ecumenical corridor in William
Penn’s Holy Experiment of religious pluralism. Those who had
come from mono-religious territories in Europe, or even areas in
which Anabaptists, Reformed, and Lutheran communities were
hostile, if not outright persecuting each other, were now learning to
1719
Handel appointed the
director of Royal
Academy of Music,
1716
1720
Peter the Great, Czar of
1718
William Penn dies. London.
Russia, visits Europe for Wallpaper becomes
the second time. fashionable in England.
England declares Daniel Defoe published First serialization of
war on Spain. Robinson Crusoe. novels in newspapers.
George I, King of
England and Elector New Orleans
of Hanover, opens founded by the
1721
Parliament. French.
share urban space. Pastor Muhlenberg was himself amazed with the
religious diversity. In a letter to Johann Georg Bruchholtz Provi-
dence, (12 Sept 1753) he wrote:
“The privilege of freedom of conscience is the reason for all the
different kinds of religions being practiced here. The free inhabi-
tants and indentured servants consist of English, Irish, Scots,
Swedes, French, Dutch, Germans, the local yellow Indians and
black Africans. They are so-called Quakers, Anglicans, Presbyteri-
ans, Mennonites, Saturday and Sunday Anabaptists, Separatists,
Schwenckfelders, Zinzendorfers, Roman Catholics, Reformed,
Lutherans.”
Without editorial comment, he goes on to note that the “so-
called” Quakers had both male and female preachers.
Of course, the religious pluralism along Germantown Avenue
and throughout the city has continued. Anabaptists are no longer
divided along Saturday/Sunday groups but now there are all man-
ner of Baptists along the Avenue, accounting for about half of the
congregations. There are ten more Mainline Protestant churches
now as Methodists, Episcopalians, and Congregationalists joined
the Lutherans and Presbyterians on Germantown Avenue. New im-
migrants have continued to plant congregations; although their ac-
cents are Spanish, rather than German, they have the same
challenges of adjusting to a new context and the same congrega-
tional tensions around language that Muhlenberg encountered. But
the current religious pluralism along the route he knew so well
would amaze him. Pentecostal, Black Hebrew, Hurleyite, and
Apostolic congregations would have been beyond his imagining,
not to mention the two Muslim masjids. The Roman Catholic
church on Germantown and Hunting Park was razed in recent
years by a mega church, whose yellow brick modern structure re-
placed the grey Gothic structure. This is one of three megachurches
on Germantown Avenue, different in theology and liturgy than
what Muhlenberg was used to, but growing out of the same soil of
religious tolerance and the need for city folk to find meaning in in-
creasingly complex urban life.
Muhlenberg’s correspondence reflects his awareness of Negroes,
but the demographic shifts since would probably catch him by sur-
www.Ltsp.edu PS ✛ SPRING 2011
1722
The Moravian
settlement Herrnhut
founded in Saxony by
1726
Peter I proclaimed
Count Zinzendorf.
Emperor of All the G.F. Handel becomes
Russias. a British subject.
1726
J.S. Bach composes The J.S. Bach appointed
Brandenburg Concertos. cantor of St. Thomas
after Georg Philipp
1723
Telemann refuses
the post.
prise. Those of European descent no longer predominate — today
much of Germantown Avenue runs through neighborhoods that
are solidly African American. With each census, there has been an
increasing numbers of the poor as well. Although the Great Road
goes through the most affluent neighborhoods of Philadelphia, it
also goes through the poorest. The legacy of slavery and discrimina-
tion is reflected in the ongoing economic struggle of so many
African Americans in Philadelphia. Muhlenberg occasionally re-
ported on the presence of slavery without flinching, such as when
pastors would be provided with parsonage and slaves. There cer-
tainly was theological discussion about the sinfulness of slavery he
would have no doubt heard about. In 1688 the first faith-based
statement against slavery was developed and signed on German-
town Avenue by some of his Mennonite and Quaker neighbors.
Despite this blind spot, Pastor Muhlenberg had a heart for the
poor. In the same letter to Johann Bruchholtz in 1753 he wrote:
“We wish to set up schools and institutions for the poor, for we
have learned from experience that building the kingdom of God
must begin vigorously with the poor, abandoned and numerous
youth ... There are an immense number of poor widows and or-
phans and other children of many nations in Philadelphia and
Germantown.”
Some days as I walk along Germantown Avenue, taking in the
changes and the challenges, I wonder what Henry Melchior Muh-
lenberg would make of all this. He might be surprised by the prolif-
eration of religious groups and grieved by the spread of poverty.
But perhaps he would be heartened that the Lutherans at St.
Michael’s are not embroiled in a boisterous church fight but are
feeding the poor, that those at Trinity and Christ Ascension
Lutheran churches have particular ministries with children, and we
here at LTSP, under the very shadow of his statue, are forming lead-
ers who understand that “building up the kingdom of God must
begin vigorously with the poor …”
The Rev. Dr. Katie Day is The Charles A. Scheiren Professor, Church
and Society and Director, Metropolitan/Urban Concentration.
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg www.Ltsp.edu 9
 Spain seizes Gibraltar, April 5 HMM

1741

1743
Frederick captures April 15 Cornerstone
1727
England and Spain at war. King Frederick William I May HMM relocates leaves Hannover.
Jan. 26 Pr. Brunnholtz laid for St. Michael’s in

1736
of Prussia settles 12,000 to Halle, Germany. July HMM called Silesia from Maria April 16 HMM

17299
King George I of England Salzburg Lutherans in as pastor in Theresa. arrives in England. and seminarians Kurtz Germantown.

1740
Grosshennersdorf. Thomas Jefferson born.

1738
dies and is succeeded by Ducal Prussia. Future King George III, University of Sept. 23 HMM arrives and Schaum arrive in
his son, George II. March 19 HMM grandson of George II, Pennsylvania founded. Sept. 6 HMM in Charleston, SC. Philadelphia from Halle.

1731

1733
Ben Franklin publishes The First public library Ephrata Cloister James Oglethorpe 8,000 Salzburg becomes student at the is born. First of the Aug. 12 HMM accepted call to the Oct. 2 HMM arrives in April 5 HMM lays the
Quakers demand the Pennsylvania Gazette which becomes founded by Ben Franklin established in founds Savannah, Lutherans settle in newly established HMM starts teaching Hannoverian kings to examined by Leipzig Frederick the Great United Congregations Savannah, GA. cornerstone for St. April 30 HMM marries
abolition of slavery. the most popular colonial newspaper. in Philadelphia. Lancaster, PA. Georgia. Georgia. Göttingen University. school. be born in Britain. Consistory. becomes King of Prussia. in Pennsylvania. Nov. 26 HMM leaves Michael’s in Phila. Anna Maria Weiser.
1727 1746
First American Great Awakening Aug. 24 HMM ordained War of Austrian Dec. 9 HMM preaches Phila. for New Hanover. May 2 HMM lays the Oct. 6 HMM dedicates

1732
J.S. Bach composes the

1734
June 24 Anna Maria George Washington Patrick Henry is born.

1746
synagogue constructed St. Matthew Passion.

1742
Weiser, future wife born. begins in to Ministry of Word Succession begins. farewell sermon in crossing Perkiomen and cornerstone for Augustus Augustus Church in
1728
in New York City. Massachusetts. Paul Revere is born. and Sacrament in St. France and Spain allied Grosshennersdorf. Skippack creeks. Almost Lutheran in Trappe, PA. Trappe. Oct. 1 John Peter

1737

1739
of HMM, is born.

1730
Queen Caroline, wife of Nicholas Church, Leipzig. against Great Britain. drowns. Muhlenberg is born.

1745
American George II of England and Frederick the Great of Jonathan Edwards Nov. 28 HMM preaches HMM Baptizes three
The future General von

1735
Philosophical Society Hanover, dies. Aug. 1739-Dec. 1741 Prussia goes to war preaches “Sinners in the first sermon in America. African Americans in
Steuben is born. Dec. 25 Elders/deacons
founded in HMM Assistant Pastor against Austria. Hands of an Angry God.” Trappe.
Philadelphia. in Gross Hennersdorf. in Trappe and New
Hanover sign HMM’s call.
Dec. 27 Elders/deacons
in Phila. sign call.
IMMIGRATION

Henry Melchior Muhlenberg came to North
America as a missionary to German immigrant communities
after his theological education and training at the University of
Halle, in what is now Germany. Halle was the most important
Pietist mission center of Europe in the eighteenth- and early
nineteenth-centuries. Following the teachings of A.H. Francke,
the school sent missionaries throughout the world. And it is that
center of theological education that ties together many commu-
nities throughout the world today.
In 1706, Bartholomäus Ziegenbalg, the first Lutheran Mis-
sionary from Halle, went out to Tranquebar, India. He initiated
a long history of successful Lutheran mission work that has re-
sulted in the creation of numerous self-governing, self-support-
ing, self-propagating churches and institutions. But more
importantly, he created a network of associations that have criss-
crossed the oceans and the vicissitudes of time by joining Indian
Christians and American Lutherans in a variety of ways.
A stamp of the Indian government commemorating the three
hundredth anniversary of the arrival of Ziegenbalg in India
hangs in the hallway of The Brossman Center at LTSP, as a re-
minder of this important link.
The link between India and Pennsylvania goes deeper than
Ziegenbalg and Muhlenberg’s training in Halle, however. Years
after Henry Melchior Muhlenberg had established the German
Lutheran presence in the Mid-Atlantic States, the first mission-
ary of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania was John Christian Fred-
erick Heyer. Heyer studied theology in Philadelphia and served
many years as a missionary on the frontiers of the new Republic.
In 1840, he was commissioned as the first missionary of the Min- Most of the women mentioned in Muhlenberg’s Journals are Pastor Carl Adams: A “three-generation”
isterium of Pennsylvania to go to Andrah Pradesh state in India. never named. One of them was, apparently, a fine theologian in
Heyer served in India from 1841-1845, and again from 1847- her own right. According to Muhlenberg, one Sunday he was
seminarian who appreciates Henry
1871. When he retired from missionary service, Father Heyer teaching a confirmation class with youth, and the question came Melchior Muhlenberg’s legacy
returned to Philadelphia, where he was the “House Father” for up: will Jews and heathen be damned? The youth answered “yes,” Pastor Carl R. Adams of Wernersville,
the students at LTSP until his death. and Muhlenberg not surprisingly concurred. The woman, who Pennsylvania, is a three-generation semi-
A portrait of Father Heyer hangs in the Exhibition Hall of overheard this teaching session, questioned her pastor about this narian. A 1958 graduate of Muhlenberg
The Brossman Center. matter. After reporting on a long exchange between them, Muh- College, he earned his BD from LTSP in
Both Ziegenbalg and Heyer are commemorated together in lenberg reports that the woman concluded: “The Lord will do all 1961, becoming a parish pastor in
the Lutheran Calendar on November 7. things well.” Far from taking offense at this questioning, Muhlen- Moorestown, Pennsylvania. In the 1970s
In 1992 and in 2007, two professors, graduates of the United berg recalled that: “I often use her as a bellwether in the congrega- he earned his Master of Sacred Theology
from the seminary. Now he’s close to
Theological College in Banglore, in Andhra Pradesh, were called tion. On Sundays when we go over the sermon in questions and
completing his DMin. (He also holds a
to serve at LTSP; J. Paul Rajashekar, the Luther D. Reed Profes- answers, she always gives beautiful, intelligent answers, and this sets
Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling
sor of Systematic Theology, and J. Jayakiran Sebastian, the H. a good example for the others.” Here, Muhlenberg’s generosity is from Moravian Seminary.)
George Anderson Professor of Mission and Cultures. Their ap- clear, as is the presence of a fine female theologian in his congregation. Adams said he felt certain he would
pointment to the faculty of LTSP continues the legacy of this Not all of the female congregants at Trappe were so noble, of become a pastor even in his early years.
inter-connected mission history and present reality of a true course. One of them, identified only as “a deacon’s wife,” had par- “I felt my life was really laid out for me. I
World Christianity of intertwined relationships. From India to ticipated in military actions in Germany (Austrian Empress Maria never really had any doubt about what I would do,” he said. He grew up
the United States, the University of Halle trained pastors and lay Theresa was a famous eighteenth-century woman warrior). Ac- in Moselem Springs in Berks County, just outside of Kutztown. He was
leaders for service in the church throughout the world. The cording to her pastor, the deacon’s wife “had a martial spirit, lived active at Zion Lutheran Church, Moselem Springs, and in the youth pro-
gram at St. Paul Lutheran Church in nearby Fleetwood.
legacy of Ziegenbalg and Muhlenberg, who began very successful in a coarse manner, and engaged in all kinds of uncouth, sinful
Adams has spent some time reflecting on the 300th anniversary
missions in very different parts of the world, has now come full circle. practices.” She “always wanted to talk at great length about her war
of the North America ministry of Lutheran Patriarch Henry Melchior
The Rev. Dr. David D. Grafton is Associate Professor, Islamic experiences,” Muhlenberg reported, “but she was not so fluent Muhlenberg. “What strikes me about Muhlenberg’s ministry is that he
Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations and Director of when it came to the order of salvation.” Indeed, according to her was charged with planting the church in a new land. And those were the
Graduate Studies. The Rev. Dr. J. Jayakiran Sebastian, is pastor, some in early Pennsylvania thought the woman, who was same instructions I received when I was first ordained — plant and grow
H. George Anderson Professor of Mission and Cultures and physically imposing, was “a witch.” In fact, she became a faithful the church where you serve. That is what I always tried to do.” “Muhlen-
Director of the Multicultural Mission Resource Center. Lutheran. “Toward the end,” Muhlenberg recalled, “she became berg served the young church during times of great turmoil, and that

with quieter and wanted to hear nothing but the great love of Jesus ... was the case for me too as the nation was dealing with the challenges of
Vietnam, racial turmoil, and great change in the 1960s,” he recalled.
“When I was first a student I learned from faculty members consid-

In the eighteenth-century, as now, women consti-

tuted a majority of church-goers. Understandably then, Henry
MINISTRY
Melchior Muhlenberg’s Journals are replete with accounts of his in-
teractions with women — most of which have never been studied
by scholars. When Muhlenberg arrived in America in 1742, he was
single. In the early years of his vocation, he wrote, he was “often
vexed at the great number of people who were concerned about
securing my welfare through marriage.” This vexation was solved
when he married Anna Maria Weiser, the daughter of a prominent
German citizen of Pennsylvania, Conrad Weiser, in 1745. Oddly,
WOMENShe died, I trust, under His cross ... clothed, out of pure grace in
Muhlenberg reports in his Journals two different dates for the mar-
riage — April 23 and April 30 — thus demonstrating that even a
Lutheran patriarch might forget his anniversary. The marriage
endured, and Anna Maria gave birth to 11 children, seven of whom
lived to adulthood. Anna’s own gifts for ministry were,
no doubt, crucial to Henry’s success.
faith, with the garments of salvation and the cloak of righteousness.”
ered to be giants — Ted Tappert, Martin Heinecken, John Reumann,
William Lazareth, Robert Bornemann. It was a great time for me to learn
and grow. And I’m still blessed to be learning today from fine faculty
members at this school — Timothy Wengert, Wil Gafney, Erik Heen, and
David Grafton.” He credits the newer faculty for helping him with per-
spective about the challenges impacting the modern church, thus en-
abling him to fine-tune his approach to preaching.
Dozens of such illuminating interactions dot Muhlenberg’s Through all the changes he has known as a pastor he finds it is
Journals as they marked his life and ministry. Women, then as still critical in this day to be “faithful to our Lutheran identity, defending,
protecting, and proclaiming the Gospel and our Confessions.” He said
now, were crucial to every Christian community, and vital to
he is encouraged by emerging church leaders he has met at LTSP during
successful public leadership.
his most recent study tour, and adds that he thinks what the seminary is
Dr. Jon Pahl, is Professor, History of Christianity in North America doing to develop strong leaders is a hopeful sign for the church’s future.
and Director of MA Programs.

10 PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg www.Ltsp.edu PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg www.Ltsp.edu 11
 Spain seizes Gibraltar, April 5 HMM

1741

1743
Frederick captures April 15 Cornerstone
1727
England and Spain at war. King Frederick William I May HMM relocates leaves Hannover.
Jan. 26 Pr. Brunnholtz laid for St. Michael’s in

1736
of Prussia settles 12,000 to Halle, Germany. July HMM called Silesia from Maria April 16 HMM

17299
King George I of England Salzburg Lutherans in as pastor in Theresa. arrives in England. and seminarians Kurtz Germantown.

1740
Grosshennersdorf. Thomas Jefferson born.

1738
dies and is succeeded by Ducal Prussia. Future King George III, University of Sept. 23 HMM arrives and Schaum arrive in
his son, George II. March 19 HMM grandson of George II, Pennsylvania founded. Sept. 6 HMM in Charleston, SC. Philadelphia from Halle.

1731

1733
Ben Franklin publishes The First public library Ephrata Cloister James Oglethorpe 8,000 Salzburg becomes student at the is born. First of the Aug. 12 HMM accepted call to the Oct. 2 HMM arrives in April 5 HMM lays the
Quakers demand the Pennsylvania Gazette which becomes founded by Ben Franklin established in founds Savannah, Lutherans settle in newly established HMM starts teaching Hannoverian kings to examined by Leipzig Frederick the Great United Congregations Savannah, GA. cornerstone for St. April 30 HMM marries
abolition of slavery. the most popular colonial newspaper. in Philadelphia. Lancaster, PA. Georgia. Georgia. Göttingen University. school. be born in Britain. Consistory. becomes King of Prussia. in Pennsylvania. Nov. 26 HMM leaves Michael’s in Phila. Anna Maria Weiser.
1727 1746
First American Great Awakening Aug. 24 HMM ordained War of Austrian Dec. 9 HMM preaches Phila. for New Hanover. May 2 HMM lays the Oct. 6 HMM dedicates

1732
J.S. Bach composes the

1734
June 24 Anna Maria George Washington Patrick Henry is born.

1746
synagogue constructed St. Matthew Passion.

1742
Weiser, future wife born. begins in to Ministry of Word Succession begins. farewell sermon in crossing Perkiomen and cornerstone for Augustus Augustus Church in
1728
in New York City. Massachusetts. Paul Revere is born. and Sacrament in St. France and Spain allied Grosshennersdorf. Skippack creeks. Almost Lutheran in Trappe, PA. Trappe. Oct. 1 John Peter

1737

1739
of HMM, is born.

1730
Queen Caroline, wife of Nicholas Church, Leipzig. against Great Britain. drowns. Muhlenberg is born.

1745
American George II of England and Frederick the Great of Jonathan Edwards Nov. 28 HMM preaches HMM Baptizes three
The future General von

1735
Philosophical Society Hanover, dies. Aug. 1739-Dec. 1741 Prussia goes to war preaches “Sinners in the first sermon in America. African Americans in
Steuben is born. Dec. 25 Elders/deacons
founded in HMM Assistant Pastor against Austria. Hands of an Angry God.” Trappe.
Philadelphia. in Gross Hennersdorf. in Trappe and New
Hanover sign HMM’s call.
Dec. 27 Elders/deacons
in Phila. sign call.
IMMIGRATION

Henry Melchior Muhlenberg came to North
America as a missionary to German immigrant communities
after his theological education and training at the University of
Halle, in what is now Germany. Halle was the most important
Pietist mission center of Europe in the eighteenth- and early
nineteenth-centuries. Following the teachings of A.H. Francke,
the school sent missionaries throughout the world. And it is that
center of theological education that ties together many commu-
nities throughout the world today.
In 1706, Bartholomäus Ziegenbalg, the first Lutheran Mis-
sionary from Halle, went out to Tranquebar, India. He initiated
a long history of successful Lutheran mission work that has re-
sulted in the creation of numerous self-governing, self-support-
ing, self-propagating churches and institutions. But more
importantly, he created a network of associations that have criss-
crossed the oceans and the vicissitudes of time by joining Indian
Christians and American Lutherans in a variety of ways.
A stamp of the Indian government commemorating the three
hundredth anniversary of the arrival of Ziegenbalg in India
hangs in the hallway of The Brossman Center at LTSP, as a re-
minder of this important link.
The link between India and Pennsylvania goes deeper than
Ziegenbalg and Muhlenberg’s training in Halle, however. Years
after Henry Melchior Muhlenberg had established the German
Lutheran presence in the Mid-Atlantic States, the first mission-
ary of the Ministerium of Pennsylvania was John Christian Fred-
erick Heyer. Heyer studied theology in Philadelphia and served
many years as a missionary on the frontiers of the new Republic.
In 1840, he was commissioned as the first missionary of the Min- Most of the women mentioned in Muhlenberg’s Journals are Pastor Carl Adams: A “three-generation”
isterium of Pennsylvania to go to Andrah Pradesh state in India. never named. One of them was, apparently, a fine theologian in
Heyer served in India from 1841-1845, and again from 1847- her own right. According to Muhlenberg, one Sunday he was
seminarian who appreciates Henry
1871. When he retired from missionary service, Father Heyer teaching a confirmation class with youth, and the question came Melchior Muhlenberg’s legacy
returned to Philadelphia, where he was the “House Father” for up: will Jews and heathen be damned? The youth answered “yes,” Pastor Carl R. Adams of Wernersville,
the students at LTSP until his death. and Muhlenberg not surprisingly concurred. The woman, who Pennsylvania, is a three-generation semi-
A portrait of Father Heyer hangs in the Exhibition Hall of overheard this teaching session, questioned her pastor about this narian. A 1958 graduate of Muhlenberg
The Brossman Center. matter. After reporting on a long exchange between them, Muh- College, he earned his BD from LTSP in
Both Ziegenbalg and Heyer are commemorated together in lenberg reports that the woman concluded: “The Lord will do all 1961, becoming a parish pastor in
the Lutheran Calendar on November 7. things well.” Far from taking offense at this questioning, Muhlen- Moorestown, Pennsylvania. In the 1970s
In 1992 and in 2007, two professors, graduates of the United berg recalled that: “I often use her as a bellwether in the congrega- he earned his Master of Sacred Theology
from the seminary. Now he’s close to
Theological College in Banglore, in Andhra Pradesh, were called tion. On Sundays when we go over the sermon in questions and
completing his DMin. (He also holds a
to serve at LTSP; J. Paul Rajashekar, the Luther D. Reed Profes- answers, she always gives beautiful, intelligent answers, and this sets
Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling
sor of Systematic Theology, and J. Jayakiran Sebastian, the H. a good example for the others.” Here, Muhlenberg’s generosity is from Moravian Seminary.)
George Anderson Professor of Mission and Cultures. Their ap- clear, as is the presence of a fine female theologian in his congregation. Adams said he felt certain he would
pointment to the faculty of LTSP continues the legacy of this Not all of the female congregants at Trappe were so noble, of become a pastor even in his early years.
inter-connected mission history and present reality of a true course. One of them, identified only as “a deacon’s wife,” had par- “I felt my life was really laid out for me. I
World Christianity of intertwined relationships. From India to ticipated in military actions in Germany (Austrian Empress Maria never really had any doubt about what I would do,” he said. He grew up
the United States, the University of Halle trained pastors and lay Theresa was a famous eighteenth-century woman warrior). Ac- in Moselem Springs in Berks County, just outside of Kutztown. He was
leaders for service in the church throughout the world. The cording to her pastor, the deacon’s wife “had a martial spirit, lived active at Zion Lutheran Church, Moselem Springs, and in the youth pro-
gram at St. Paul Lutheran Church in nearby Fleetwood.
legacy of Ziegenbalg and Muhlenberg, who began very successful in a coarse manner, and engaged in all kinds of uncouth, sinful
Adams has spent some time reflecting on the 300th anniversary
missions in very different parts of the world, has now come full circle. practices.” She “always wanted to talk at great length about her war
of the North America ministry of Lutheran Patriarch Henry Melchior
The Rev. Dr. David D. Grafton is Associate Professor, Islamic experiences,” Muhlenberg reported, “but she was not so fluent Muhlenberg. “What strikes me about Muhlenberg’s ministry is that he
Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations and Director of when it came to the order of salvation.” Indeed, according to her was charged with planting the church in a new land. And those were the
Graduate Studies. The Rev. Dr. J. Jayakiran Sebastian, is pastor, some in early Pennsylvania thought the woman, who was same instructions I received when I was first ordained — plant and grow
H. George Anderson Professor of Mission and Cultures and physically imposing, was “a witch.” In fact, she became a faithful the church where you serve. That is what I always tried to do.” “Muhlen-
Director of the Multicultural Mission Resource Center. Lutheran. “Toward the end,” Muhlenberg recalled, “she became berg served the young church during times of great turmoil, and that

with quieter and wanted to hear nothing but the great love of Jesus ... was the case for me too as the nation was dealing with the challenges of
Vietnam, racial turmoil, and great change in the 1960s,” he recalled.
“When I was first a student I learned from faculty members consid-

In the eighteenth-century, as now, women consti-

tuted a majority of church-goers. Understandably then, Henry
MINISTRY
Melchior Muhlenberg’s Journals are replete with accounts of his in-
teractions with women — most of which have never been studied
by scholars. When Muhlenberg arrived in America in 1742, he was
single. In the early years of his vocation, he wrote, he was “often
vexed at the great number of people who were concerned about
securing my welfare through marriage.” This vexation was solved
when he married Anna Maria Weiser, the daughter of a prominent
German citizen of Pennsylvania, Conrad Weiser, in 1745. Oddly,
WOMENShe died, I trust, under His cross ... clothed, out of pure grace in
Muhlenberg reports in his Journals two different dates for the mar-
riage — April 23 and April 30 — thus demonstrating that even a
Lutheran patriarch might forget his anniversary. The marriage
endured, and Anna Maria gave birth to 11 children, seven of whom
lived to adulthood. Anna’s own gifts for ministry were,
no doubt, crucial to Henry’s success.
faith, with the garments of salvation and the cloak of righteousness.”
ered to be giants — Ted Tappert, Martin Heinecken, John Reumann,
William Lazareth, Robert Bornemann. It was a great time for me to learn
and grow. And I’m still blessed to be learning today from fine faculty
members at this school — Timothy Wengert, Wil Gafney, Erik Heen, and
David Grafton.” He credits the newer faculty for helping him with per-
spective about the challenges impacting the modern church, thus en-
abling him to fine-tune his approach to preaching.
Dozens of such illuminating interactions dot Muhlenberg’s Through all the changes he has known as a pastor he finds it is
Journals as they marked his life and ministry. Women, then as still critical in this day to be “faithful to our Lutheran identity, defending,
protecting, and proclaiming the Gospel and our Confessions.” He said
now, were crucial to every Christian community, and vital to
he is encouraged by emerging church leaders he has met at LTSP during
successful public leadership.
his most recent study tour, and adds that he thinks what the seminary is
Dr. Jon Pahl, is Professor, History of Christianity in North America doing to develop strong leaders is a hopeful sign for the church’s future.
and Director of MA Programs.

10 PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg www.Ltsp.edu PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg www.Ltsp.edu 11
 July 13 HMM’s Aug. 19 Catharina June 11 cornerstone
Jan. 29 Eva Elizabeth Dec. 20 HMM April 27 HMM’s
King George II father-in-law, Salome Muhlenberg of Zion Church in

1749
wears glasses to

1752
(Betsy) Muhlenberg decrees that Britain, Conrad Weiser, dies. Oct. 29 Muhlenberg sons, John, Gotthilf, (one year and four Philadelphia laid.

1766
read and write.

1751
May 26 HMM and Friedrich, leave

1758
is born Ireland, and the Aug. 10 Rev. Richard family moves to months) dies.

1756
conducts worship for school in Halle.

1762
colonies will begin Peters, an Anglican Philadelphia. Oct. 18 Constitution Repeal of Stamp Act

1764
in English using the Chief Justice William

1760
Aug. 15 Ministerium of using the new priest and Secretary of Zion Church in Quartering Act by King George III.

1754
1747

Dec. 29 HMM’s Pennsylvania and Jan. 2 Friedrich BOOK OF COMMON (Gregorian) calendar. Nov. 17 Gotthilf March HMM says Nov. 4 Mary (Polly) Aug. 21 Johann of Pennsylvania, Haydn appointed Phila., accepted and Allen is their Mozart (age eight) passed that requires Declaratory Act
mother is buried in adjacent States August Muhlenberg PRAYER in New Sept. 3-13 were Heinrich Muhlenberg that he must wear Catharina Muhlenberg Britain declares war Enoch Muhlenberg preached in Trappe Kapellmeister to signed by the chaperone aboard writes his first colonists to house/ established Britain’s
Germany. established in Phila. is born. York City. omitted. is born. glasses all the time. is born. on France. is born. Church. Prince Esterhazy. membership. the ship to England. symphony. feed British soldiers. right to tax colonies.
1747 1766

1761
1757
1753
Peace of Paris ends Feb. 16 Johann

1763
Aug. 14 HMM dedicates J.S. Bach dies Sept. 17 Margaret Oct. 1 St. Michael’s French troops seize King’s College British army June 5 Pr. Brunnholtz George Washington George III becomes Coronation of British Parliament July 13 Maria

1750
(Peggy) Henrietta dies in Philadelphia. the French and Enoch Muhlenberg
1748
St. Michael’s in Phila. in Germantown the Ohio Valley. (future Columbia defeated at Fort and John Forbes King of England, George III. passes Stamp Act. Salome (Sally)

1765
Seminarian Johann Muhlenberg is born. dedicated. University, New Duquesne take Fort Duquesne Ireland, and colonies. Indian War. dies at the age of 6. For the first time, Muhlenberg is born.

1755
Kurtz ordained. York) founded. (Pittsburgh). from the French. He is Prince Elector Oct. 19 George the British colonists
March 12 Organ of Hannover, but Whitefield, one of April 18 Catharina will pay taxes
in St. Michael’s in never visits Germany. the preachers of the Salome Muhlenberg directly to the
Phila. dedicated. Nov. 18 Johann Carl Great Awakening, is born. English instead of
Muhlenberg is born. preaches at St. local legislatures.
Nov. 24 Johann Carl Michael’s in Phila. Oct. 9 Pr. John
Muhlenberg dies. Handschuh dies at
the age of 51.

Tim Ness: LTSP scholar amazed that

Muhlenberg was willing to be pushed
out of his “comfort zone”
Tim Ness, a second year seminarian at
LTSP, said he is highly impressed with
the pioneering work Lutheran Patriarch
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg undertook
in Pennsylvania in the mid-1700s.
“I’ve been taking a seminary course
called ‘Lutherans in North America’ and
reading Muhlenberg’s Journals,” Ness,
a native of Torrington, Connecticut,
said. “I’m amazed at how he sailed
here from Germany and started over as
a pastor, without having a really clear
idea at first of what he would be doing.
It seems to me he was pushed out of his comfort zone. That is also the
case with many pastors today. They end up serving in unfamiliar and
challenging situations.” Ness has no preconceived idea of where he wants
to serve as a parish pastor. “I am willing to be led,” he said with a smile.
Ness tells of growing up in Torrington as a member of one of the
New England Synod’s largest congregations, St. Paul Lutheran
Church. The idea of coming to seminary first surfaced in high school.
“I was really involved in the church, reading lessons and serving as a
youth leader,” he recalled. “Others around me began to tell me that I
had gifts to serve as a pastor, and I was resistant.”
By word of mouth he heard of Muhlenberg College. He visited the
school and liked it. During his college years a variety of experiences
further led him toward the idea of parish ministry. “Pastor Mike Mil-
lum of St. Paul was a true mentor. Muhlenberg’s chaplain, Peter Bred-
lau, MDiv ’96, spoke with me as well.” Another turning point was his
immersion experience during college through Project Connect. Project
Connect pulls together a variety of young people discerning the possi-
bility of a call to serve God as a professional church leader.
Ness said he really enjoys being part of the seminary community.
“The faculty really help you engage church doctrine, the creeds, theol-
ogy, and the Bible.” Favorite classes so far have included Lutheran
Confessions, Pastoral Theology, and Liturgy.
Another highlight of seminary was the first-year experience of visit-
ing congregations on unfamiliar turf. “I recall visiting an African Amer-
ican congregation in North Philadelphia. I was being pushed out of my
comfort zone. But what I found was a church filled with people of God
CHURCH
Woefully underfunded in comparison to other
Reformed, Presbyterian, and Anglican churches, and with far
poorer congregants than the relatively wealthy Mennonite and
Quaker settlers, who often bought Germans off the boats as inden-
tured servants, Muhlenberg was forever begging for money from
FINANCES money … The German Reformed pastors receive part of their
salaries from Holland … We do not mention this from a lack of
Lutherans do not believe in fate but in God’s good providence.
Where Rauss accused the Ministerium of not paying him, Muhlen-
wealthy supporters in Europe and contrasting them to the “mites” faith, mistrust, and vileness but count it among the hindrances berg responded by making his accounting books public and saying
his people managed to give. Muhlenberg also realized that there to the free discharge of our office.”1 that Rauss had taken financial advantage of him and local congre-
was a corrupting side to the way in which colonial churches were The more things change, the more they remain the same! And gations over the years. Where Rauss claimed that Muhlenberg and
forced to finance their work. An especially poignant letter to just when we thought things were rough today! the other pastors had treated him in an unchristian manner, Muh-
Francke and Ziegenhagen from the Ministerium pastors demon- The Rev. Dr. Timothy Wengert is Ministerium of Pennsylvania lenberg said that he had rescued him from indentured servitude,
strates this scandal. Professor, Reformation History. educated him for the ministry, and hosted Rauss’ wedding mostly
“With regard to the external circumstances of our colleagues at his own expense.
1
and the united pastors, they are resting on shaky foundations. For Correspondence, 3: 86 Rauss also complained that Muhlenberg had said that the
the most part we are poor and must live on parishioners’ voluntary Lutheran faith was in error. Searching his memory to think what
mites. Our extensive official duties require extensive costs for that accusation could have meant, Muhlenberg recalled a conversa-
horses, harnesses, and clothing, and the majority of the parish- Around his fiftieth birthday and after nearly 20 tion in which he quoted some of Luther’s colorful words about sin
ioners are poor and want more from us than they are able to give years as a missionary in Pennsylvania, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg in the church (LW 24:205-208). Rauss had missed the point en-
back. Many give as much as they can afford, others grow tired of was charged with heresy by a younger colleague, Lukas Rauss. Then tirely. By refuting this charge, Muhlenberg turned the tables and
giving, and if one accepts the well-known proverb, truth gives birth pastor of the Lutheran congregation in York, Rauss accused Muh- showed Rauss as the one with a poor grasp of the Lutheran tradi-
to hatred [veritas odium parit], as an empirical truth, it is easy to lenberg and other leaders of unorthodox doctrine and unchristian tion and life in the church militant.
imagine that little can be obtained where the truth is not at home. conduct. Although Rauss’ letter of accusation is no longer extant, Muhlenberg’s response shows a willingness to endure hardship
In our opinion, it is a hindrance to the joyful and free discharge of Muhlenberg’s response to the charges has recently been translated for the sake of the church. At the same time, he knew that he had
in the new fourth volume of his correspondence as Letter 216.
our office when pastors have to live completely on the voluntary to defend his name, his colleagues, and his church from defamation
At this point in his life, Muhlenberg had already endured serious
mites of the listeners, not to mention that it causes problems in the and harmful attacks. To do this, he called upon “reason and revela-
congregations themselves while giving rise to charges from other quarrels among churches in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New tion,” so that sound logic, public accountability, and good theology
parties. The inexperienced think and say that a pastor is their hired York. From those conflicts he had learned to expect derision and could make his case. In the end, the arbitrators judged in his favor
servant and needs to hold office like a job for the sake of daily slander simply for having been involved. But he had also learned and asked that Rauss apologize, which he did not do. Letters like
bread and according to their rules. Others think their money or that sometimes “lies, libels, and hypocrisy” need to be confronted these show Muhlenberg’s skill as a theologian and his inspiring
gift secures them the privilege of remaining in sin and attending directly. On October 17, 1761, he wrote a long reply to his Swedish endurance as a church leader.
Holy Communion undisturbed; yea, they think they are free to Lutheran colleagues who were to decide the case. He wrote that at
The Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann, PhD ’10, translator and
hire a new preacher for their money every year and cast out the old such times one needed to heed the advice of Solomon: “Answer
editorial assistant of The Correspondence of Heinrich Melchior
ones, etc. etc. Moreover, every year fortune-seekers arrive of their fools according to their folly, or they will be wise in their own eyes”
Mühlenberg Volumes 3 and 4.
own accord, who join the disgruntled haters of the truth and who (Prov. 26:5). Worried about further damage to himself and the
make it as easy for them as they can … The pastors sent from Swe- Ministerium, Muhlenberg called upon his deep knowledge of the

welcoming me with open arms.”
Once he graduates and receives a parish call, Ness hopes to con-
tinue his education on a steady basis. “I think a pastor has to continue
with education in today’s culture. That’s so important.”
HERESY
den are supported by their fatherland; the English ministers have Bible, the Lutheran Confessions, and congregational life to try to
subsidies from the society. The [Moravians] know how to win over get Rauss to stop hurting the church.
wealthy people, sometimes along with all their worldly goods and Where Rauss had invoked “some unfavorable fate” as the force
behind his sad circumstances, Muhlenberg pointed out that

12 PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg www.Ltsp.edu PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg www.Ltsp.edu 13
 July 13 HMM’s Aug. 19 Catharina June 11 cornerstone
Jan. 29 Eva Elizabeth Dec. 20 HMM April 27 HMM’s
King George II father-in-law, Salome Muhlenberg of Zion Church in

1749
wears glasses to

1752
(Betsy) Muhlenberg decrees that Britain, Conrad Weiser, dies. Oct. 29 Muhlenberg sons, John, Gotthilf, (one year and four Philadelphia laid.

1766
read and write.

1751
May 26 HMM and Friedrich, leave

1758
is born Ireland, and the Aug. 10 Rev. Richard family moves to months) dies.

1756
conducts worship for school in Halle.

1762
colonies will begin Peters, an Anglican Philadelphia. Oct. 18 Constitution Repeal of Stamp Act

1764
in English using the Chief Justice William

1760
Aug. 15 Ministerium of using the new priest and Secretary of Zion Church in Quartering Act by King George III.

1754
1747

Dec. 29 HMM’s Pennsylvania and Jan. 2 Friedrich BOOK OF COMMON (Gregorian) calendar. Nov. 17 Gotthilf March HMM says Nov. 4 Mary (Polly) Aug. 21 Johann of Pennsylvania, Haydn appointed Phila., accepted and Allen is their Mozart (age eight) passed that requires Declaratory Act
mother is buried in adjacent States August Muhlenberg PRAYER in New Sept. 3-13 were Heinrich Muhlenberg that he must wear Catharina Muhlenberg Britain declares war Enoch Muhlenberg preached in Trappe Kapellmeister to signed by the chaperone aboard writes his first colonists to house/ established Britain’s
Germany. established in Phila. is born. York City. omitted. is born. glasses all the time. is born. on France. is born. Church. Prince Esterhazy. membership. the ship to England. symphony. feed British soldiers. right to tax colonies.
1747 1766

1761
1757
1753
Peace of Paris ends Feb. 16 Johann

1763
Aug. 14 HMM dedicates J.S. Bach dies Sept. 17 Margaret Oct. 1 St. Michael’s French troops seize King’s College British army June 5 Pr. Brunnholtz George Washington George III becomes Coronation of British Parliament July 13 Maria

1750
(Peggy) Henrietta dies in Philadelphia. the French and Enoch Muhlenberg
1748
St. Michael’s in Phila. in Germantown the Ohio Valley. (future Columbia defeated at Fort and John Forbes King of England, George III. passes Stamp Act. Salome (Sally)

1765
Seminarian Johann Muhlenberg is born. dedicated. University, New Duquesne take Fort Duquesne Ireland, and colonies. Indian War. dies at the age of 6. For the first time, Muhlenberg is born.

1755
Kurtz ordained. York) founded. (Pittsburgh). from the French. He is Prince Elector Oct. 19 George the British colonists
March 12 Organ of Hannover, but Whitefield, one of April 18 Catharina will pay taxes
in St. Michael’s in never visits Germany. the preachers of the Salome Muhlenberg directly to the
Phila. dedicated. Nov. 18 Johann Carl Great Awakening, is born. English instead of
Muhlenberg is born. preaches at St. local legislatures.
Nov. 24 Johann Carl Michael’s in Phila. Oct. 9 Pr. John
Muhlenberg dies. Handschuh dies at
the age of 51.

Tim Ness: LTSP scholar amazed that

Muhlenberg was willing to be pushed
out of his “comfort zone”
Tim Ness, a second year seminarian at
LTSP, said he is highly impressed with
the pioneering work Lutheran Patriarch
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg undertook
in Pennsylvania in the mid-1700s.
“I’ve been taking a seminary course
called ‘Lutherans in North America’ and
reading Muhlenberg’s Journals,” Ness,
a native of Torrington, Connecticut,
said. “I’m amazed at how he sailed
here from Germany and started over as
a pastor, without having a really clear
idea at first of what he would be doing.
It seems to me he was pushed out of his comfort zone. That is also the
case with many pastors today. They end up serving in unfamiliar and
challenging situations.” Ness has no preconceived idea of where he wants
to serve as a parish pastor. “I am willing to be led,” he said with a smile.
Ness tells of growing up in Torrington as a member of one of the
New England Synod’s largest congregations, St. Paul Lutheran
Church. The idea of coming to seminary first surfaced in high school.
“I was really involved in the church, reading lessons and serving as a
youth leader,” he recalled. “Others around me began to tell me that I
had gifts to serve as a pastor, and I was resistant.”
By word of mouth he heard of Muhlenberg College. He visited the
school and liked it. During his college years a variety of experiences
further led him toward the idea of parish ministry. “Pastor Mike Mil-
lum of St. Paul was a true mentor. Muhlenberg’s chaplain, Peter Bred-
lau, MDiv ’96, spoke with me as well.” Another turning point was his
immersion experience during college through Project Connect. Project
Connect pulls together a variety of young people discerning the possi-
bility of a call to serve God as a professional church leader.
Ness said he really enjoys being part of the seminary community.
“The faculty really help you engage church doctrine, the creeds, theol-
ogy, and the Bible.” Favorite classes so far have included Lutheran
Confessions, Pastoral Theology, and Liturgy.
Another highlight of seminary was the first-year experience of visit-
ing congregations on unfamiliar turf. “I recall visiting an African Amer-
ican congregation in North Philadelphia. I was being pushed out of my
comfort zone. But what I found was a church filled with people of God
CHURCH
Woefully underfunded in comparison to other
Reformed, Presbyterian, and Anglican churches, and with far
poorer congregants than the relatively wealthy Mennonite and
Quaker settlers, who often bought Germans off the boats as inden-
tured servants, Muhlenberg was forever begging for money from
FINANCES money … The German Reformed pastors receive part of their
salaries from Holland … We do not mention this from a lack of
Lutherans do not believe in fate but in God’s good providence.
Where Rauss accused the Ministerium of not paying him, Muhlen-
wealthy supporters in Europe and contrasting them to the “mites” faith, mistrust, and vileness but count it among the hindrances berg responded by making his accounting books public and saying
his people managed to give. Muhlenberg also realized that there to the free discharge of our office.”1 that Rauss had taken financial advantage of him and local congre-
was a corrupting side to the way in which colonial churches were The more things change, the more they remain the same! And gations over the years. Where Rauss claimed that Muhlenberg and
forced to finance their work. An especially poignant letter to just when we thought things were rough today! the other pastors had treated him in an unchristian manner, Muh-
Francke and Ziegenhagen from the Ministerium pastors demon- The Rev. Dr. Timothy Wengert is Ministerium of Pennsylvania lenberg said that he had rescued him from indentured servitude,
strates this scandal. Professor, Reformation History. educated him for the ministry, and hosted Rauss’ wedding mostly
“With regard to the external circumstances of our colleagues at his own expense.
1
and the united pastors, they are resting on shaky foundations. For Correspondence, 3: 86 Rauss also complained that Muhlenberg had said that the
the most part we are poor and must live on parishioners’ voluntary Lutheran faith was in error. Searching his memory to think what
mites. Our extensive official duties require extensive costs for that accusation could have meant, Muhlenberg recalled a conversa-
horses, harnesses, and clothing, and the majority of the parish- Around his fiftieth birthday and after nearly 20 tion in which he quoted some of Luther’s colorful words about sin
ioners are poor and want more from us than they are able to give years as a missionary in Pennsylvania, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg in the church (LW 24:205-208). Rauss had missed the point en-
back. Many give as much as they can afford, others grow tired of was charged with heresy by a younger colleague, Lukas Rauss. Then tirely. By refuting this charge, Muhlenberg turned the tables and
giving, and if one accepts the well-known proverb, truth gives birth pastor of the Lutheran congregation in York, Rauss accused Muh- showed Rauss as the one with a poor grasp of the Lutheran tradi-
to hatred [veritas odium parit], as an empirical truth, it is easy to lenberg and other leaders of unorthodox doctrine and unchristian tion and life in the church militant.
imagine that little can be obtained where the truth is not at home. conduct. Although Rauss’ letter of accusation is no longer extant, Muhlenberg’s response shows a willingness to endure hardship
In our opinion, it is a hindrance to the joyful and free discharge of Muhlenberg’s response to the charges has recently been translated for the sake of the church. At the same time, he knew that he had
in the new fourth volume of his correspondence as Letter 216.
our office when pastors have to live completely on the voluntary to defend his name, his colleagues, and his church from defamation
At this point in his life, Muhlenberg had already endured serious
mites of the listeners, not to mention that it causes problems in the and harmful attacks. To do this, he called upon “reason and revela-
congregations themselves while giving rise to charges from other quarrels among churches in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New tion,” so that sound logic, public accountability, and good theology
parties. The inexperienced think and say that a pastor is their hired York. From those conflicts he had learned to expect derision and could make his case. In the end, the arbitrators judged in his favor
servant and needs to hold office like a job for the sake of daily slander simply for having been involved. But he had also learned and asked that Rauss apologize, which he did not do. Letters like
bread and according to their rules. Others think their money or that sometimes “lies, libels, and hypocrisy” need to be confronted these show Muhlenberg’s skill as a theologian and his inspiring
gift secures them the privilege of remaining in sin and attending directly. On October 17, 1761, he wrote a long reply to his Swedish endurance as a church leader.
Holy Communion undisturbed; yea, they think they are free to Lutheran colleagues who were to decide the case. He wrote that at
The Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann, PhD ’10, translator and
hire a new preacher for their money every year and cast out the old such times one needed to heed the advice of Solomon: “Answer
editorial assistant of The Correspondence of Heinrich Melchior
ones, etc. etc. Moreover, every year fortune-seekers arrive of their fools according to their folly, or they will be wise in their own eyes”
Mühlenberg Volumes 3 and 4.
own accord, who join the disgruntled haters of the truth and who (Prov. 26:5). Worried about further damage to himself and the
make it as easy for them as they can … The pastors sent from Swe- Ministerium, Muhlenberg called upon his deep knowledge of the

welcoming me with open arms.”
Once he graduates and receives a parish call, Ness hopes to con-
tinue his education on a steady basis. “I think a pastor has to continue
with education in today’s culture. That’s so important.”
HERESY
den are supported by their fatherland; the English ministers have Bible, the Lutheran Confessions, and congregational life to try to
subsidies from the society. The [Moravians] know how to win over get Rauss to stop hurting the church.
wealthy people, sometimes along with all their worldly goods and Where Rauss had invoked “some unfavorable fate” as the force
behind his sad circumstances, Muhlenberg pointed out that

12 PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg www.Ltsp.edu PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg www.Ltsp.edu 13
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St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Wurtemburg Rhinebeck NY ELCM
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Trindle Spring Lutheran Church Mechanicsburg PA Lower Susquehanna Zion Spies Evangelical Lutheran Church Reading PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Middletown PA Lower Susquehanna Altalaha Lutheran Church Rehrersburg PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church Schaefferstown PA Lower Susquehanna St. Daniel Lutheran Church Robesonia PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church Schaefferstown PA Lower Susquehanna Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Perry Township Shoemakersville PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
St. John Lutheran Church Shiremanstown PA Lower Susquehanna Heidelberg Lutheran Church Slatington PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
Christ Lutheran Church York PA Lower Susquehanna Zion and St. John’s (Reeds) Lutheran Church Stouchsburg PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church New York NY Metropolitan New York Christ Hamilton United Lutheran Church Stroudsburg PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
St. Paul Lutheran Church West Camp NY Metropolitan New York Christ Lutheran Church Womelsdorf PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
Evangelical Lutheran Church of St.Matthew New York NY Missouri Synod Emanuel Lutheran Church Elmer NJ New Jersey
Huffs Lutheran Church Alburtis PA Northeastern Pennsylvania Spruce Run Evangelical Lutheran Zion Church Glen Gardner NJ New Jersey
St. Paul Lutheran Church Allentown PA Northeastern Pennsylvania Zion Lutheran Church Long Valley NJ New Jersey
Evangelical Lutheran Friedens Church Bernville PA Northeastern Pennsylvania Zion Lutheran Church Oldwick NJ New Jersey
Robeson Lutheran Church Birdsboro PA Northeastern Pennsylvania St. James Lutheran Church Phillipsburg NJ New Jersey
Alsace Lutheran Church Reading PA non ELCA
Organ Lutheran Church Salisbury NC North Carolina
Upper Dublin Lutheran Church Ambler PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. Paul Lutheran Church Ardmore PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. John Lutheran Church Center Square PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. Peter Lutheran Church Chester Springs PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Augustus Lutheran Church Collegeville PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. Luke Lutheran Church Ferndale PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Advent Lutheran Church of Goschenhoppen Harleysville PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. Peter Lutheran Church Lafayette Hill PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Trinity Lutheran Church New Holland PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. Peter Lutheran Church North Wales PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Peace-Tohickon Lutheran Church Perkasie PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Christ Church in Philadelphia Philadelphia PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Gloria Dei Church Philadelphia PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Old Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Philadelphia PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. Michael Lutheran Church Philadelphia PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. Paul Lutheran Church Red Hill PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Jerusalem Lutheran Church Sellersville PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. John Lutheran Church Spinnerstown PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Zion Lutheran Church Spring City PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Little Zion Lutheran Church Telford PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Christ Lutheran Church Trumbauersville PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church — Red Hill Upper Hanover Twp. PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. John Lutheran Church Charleston SC South Carolina
St. John Lutheran Church Pomaria SC South Carolina
Jerusalem Lutheran Church Rincon GA Southeastern
Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension Savannah GA Southeastern
St. Peter Lutheran Church Freeburg PA Upper Susquehanna
Botschaft Lutheran Church Mount Pleasant Mills PA Upper Susquehanna
St. Peter Lutheran Church Mount Pleasant Mills PA Upper Susquehanna
Himmel Lutheran Church Rebuck PA Upper Susquehanna
Christ Little Tulpehocken Church Bernville PA UCC
Salem United Church of Christ Klingerstown PA UCC
First Lutheran Church Albany NY Upstate New York
Trinity Lutheran Church West Sand Lake NY Upstate New York
Muhlenberg Lutheran Church Harrisonburg VA Virginia
Hebron Lutheran Church Madison VA Virginia
St. Mary Lutheran Church Mount Jackson VA Virginia
St. Paul Lutheran Church Strasburg VA Virginia
Rader Lutheran Church Timberville VA Virginia
Grace Lutheran Church Winchester VA Virginia
Emmanuel Lutheran Church Woodstock VA Virginia
Christ Lutheran Church Johnstown PA Allegheny
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Lunenburg NS Canada
Zion Lutheran Church Baltimore MD Delaware/Maryland
St. John’s Lutheran Church Hagerstown MD Delaware/Maryland
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Thurmont MD Delaware/Maryland
Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church Wilmington DE Delaware/Maryland
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Wurtemburg Rhinebeck NY ELCM
St. James Episcopal Church Collegeville PA Episcopal St. Joseph (Hill) Lutheran Church Boyertown PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church Douglassville PA Episcopal Ziegels Lutheran Church Breinigsville PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
St. James Church of Kingsessing Philadelphia PA Episcopal St. Paul Lutheran Church Coopersburg PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
Emmanuel Episcopal Church Woodstock VA Episcopal Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Coopersburg PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
St. Peter Evangelical Church Freeburg PA Independent St. Paul Lutheran Church Douglassville PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
First Lutheran Church Chambersburg PA Lower Susquehanna St. John Lutheran Church Easton PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church Elizabethtown PA Lower Susquehanna Christ Lutheran Church Fleetwood PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
St. Jacob Lutheran Church Glenville PA Lower Susquehanna New Hanover Evangelical Lutheran Church Gilbertsville PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
OR St. Jacob’s (Stone) United Church of Christ St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Hellertown PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
St. David Lutheran Church Hanover PA Lower Susquehanna Friedens Lutheran Church Kempton PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
St. Matthew Lutheran Church Hanover PA Lower Susquehanna Jerusalem (Red) Lutheran Church Kempton PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
Zion Lutheran Church Harrisburg PA Lower Susquehanna St. John Lutheran Church Kutztown PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
Zion Lutheran Church Hummelstown PA Lower Susquehanna Zion Moselem Lutheran Church Kutztown PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
Zion Lutheran Church Jonestown PA Lower Susquehanna St. Peter’s Union Church Macungie PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Lancaster PA Lower Susquehanna Robeson Lutheran Church Mohnton PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church Lebanon PA Lower Susquehanna Weisenberg Lutheran Church New Tripoli PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
Zoar Lutheran Church Lebanon PA Lower Susquehanna Zion Lutheran Church Old Zionsville PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
Brickerville United Lutheran Church Lititz PA Lower Susquehanna Jordan Lutheran Church Orefield PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
Zion Lutheran Church Manheim PA Lower Susquehanna Christ Lutheran Church Reading PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
Trinity Lutheran Church of Colebrook Manheim PA Lower Susquehanna Trinity Lutheran Church Reading PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
Trindle Spring Lutheran Church Mechanicsburg PA Lower Susquehanna Zion Spies Evangelical Lutheran Church Reading PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Middletown PA Lower Susquehanna Altalaha Lutheran Church Rehrersburg PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church Schaefferstown PA Lower Susquehanna St. Daniel Lutheran Church Robesonia PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church Schaefferstown PA Lower Susquehanna Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Perry Township Shoemakersville PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
St. John Lutheran Church Shiremanstown PA Lower Susquehanna Heidelberg Lutheran Church Slatington PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
Christ Lutheran Church York PA Lower Susquehanna Zion and St. John’s (Reeds) Lutheran Church Stouchsburg PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church New York NY Metropolitan New York Christ Hamilton United Lutheran Church Stroudsburg PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
St. Paul Lutheran Church West Camp NY Metropolitan New York Christ Lutheran Church Womelsdorf PA Northeastern Pennsylvania
Evangelical Lutheran Church of St.Matthew New York NY Missouri Synod Emanuel Lutheran Church Elmer NJ New Jersey
Huffs Lutheran Church Alburtis PA Northeastern Pennsylvania Spruce Run Evangelical Lutheran Zion Church Glen Gardner NJ New Jersey
St. Paul Lutheran Church Allentown PA Northeastern Pennsylvania Zion Lutheran Church Long Valley NJ New Jersey
Evangelical Lutheran Friedens Church Bernville PA Northeastern Pennsylvania Zion Lutheran Church Oldwick NJ New Jersey
Robeson Lutheran Church Birdsboro PA Northeastern Pennsylvania St. James Lutheran Church Phillipsburg NJ New Jersey
Alsace Lutheran Church Reading PA non ELCA
Organ Lutheran Church Salisbury NC North Carolina
Upper Dublin Lutheran Church Ambler PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. Paul Lutheran Church Ardmore PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. John Lutheran Church Center Square PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. Peter Lutheran Church Chester Springs PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Augustus Lutheran Church Collegeville PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. Luke Lutheran Church Ferndale PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Advent Lutheran Church of Goschenhoppen Harleysville PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. Peter Lutheran Church Lafayette Hill PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Trinity Lutheran Church New Holland PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. Peter Lutheran Church North Wales PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Peace-Tohickon Lutheran Church Perkasie PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Christ Church in Philadelphia Philadelphia PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Gloria Dei Church Philadelphia PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Old Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Philadelphia PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. Michael Lutheran Church Philadelphia PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. Paul Lutheran Church Red Hill PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Jerusalem Lutheran Church Sellersville PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. John Lutheran Church Spinnerstown PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Zion Lutheran Church Spring City PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Little Zion Lutheran Church Telford PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
Christ Lutheran Church Trumbauersville PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church — Red Hill Upper Hanover Twp. PA Southeastern Pennsylvania
St. John Lutheran Church Charleston SC South Carolina
St. John Lutheran Church Pomaria SC South Carolina
Jerusalem Lutheran Church Rincon GA Southeastern
Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension Savannah GA Southeastern
St. Peter Lutheran Church Freeburg PA Upper Susquehanna
Botschaft Lutheran Church Mount Pleasant Mills PA Upper Susquehanna
St. Peter Lutheran Church Mount Pleasant Mills PA Upper Susquehanna
Himmel Lutheran Church Rebuck PA Upper Susquehanna
Christ Little Tulpehocken Church Bernville PA UCC
Salem United Church of Christ Klingerstown PA UCC
First Lutheran Church Albany NY Upstate New York
Trinity Lutheran Church West Sand Lake NY Upstate New York
Muhlenberg Lutheran Church Harrisonburg VA Virginia
Hebron Lutheran Church Madison VA Virginia
St. Mary Lutheran Church Mount Jackson VA Virginia
St. Paul Lutheran Church Strasburg VA Virginia
Rader Lutheran Church Timberville VA Virginia
Grace Lutheran Church Winchester VA Virginia
Emmanuel Lutheran Church Woodstock VA Virginia
 March 2 Peter Feb. 2 Anna
July 4 HMM notes in US Constitution
Sept. 22 Gotthilf

1774
sails to London to Muhlenberg
April 2 Pr. Henry July 26 Gotthilf his Journal that signed in Phila.
and Friedrich return be ordained in the March 3 John severely burned
Helmuth arrived in marries Mary Hall. Continental Congress

1770
to Phila. from Halle.

1778
Anglican Church. Jan. 16 HMM made brigadier when she falls into

1772
Phila. from Halle. June 13 Pr. Kunze declares independence Sept. Friedrich

1776
Aug. 27 HMM, meets with leaders general by act of Nov. 3 Friedrich pot of boiling beets.
writes the from Britain. May 27 HMM takes elected president of
Oct. 25 Gotthilf and elected speaker of Peace at Versailles

1780
Anna, and daughter of Ebenezer Church June 12 HMM

1784
April 21 John Congress.

1782
June 25 Zion Friedrich ordained ordained an constitution for a Mary sail from in Georgia and Washington defeats the Oath of the Pennsylvania Sept. 6 HMM June 12 HMM ends the war marries an African the Penn. Convention
Lutheran Church, by the Ministerium Anglican deacon in German school in Philadelphia to helps them write a Hessian troops at British defeated at Allegiance to the House of celebrates his 70th writes his last will between Britain American couple in that ratified the
Phila., dedicated. in Reading, PA. London, England. Philadelphia. Charleston, SC. constitution. Trenton, NJ. Princeton, NJ. United States. Representatives. birthday. and testament. and America. Downingtown. Constitution.
1767 1787

1775
July 11 Emanuel Boston Tea Party Sept. 29 HMM

1773
Nov. 6 Peter Oct. 15 Friedrich Sept. 25 HMM Paul Revere rides July Muhlenberg Sept. 27 Trappe March 2 Friedrich British capitulate at Dec. 6 HMM April 16 HMM HMM receives an

1781
April 23 John
Samuel Muhlenberg notes the baptizes Anna Frey.

1783
marries Anna marries Catharine ordained an preaches in English from Charleston to family moves to Trappe. Church occupied by elected to the Yorktown. celebrates the 40th honorary doctorate
He notes it in his

1771
is born. Meyer. Schaefer. Anglican priest in in the Presbyterian Lexington. Penn. militia. Continental anniversary of his proclamation of from University of

1777
Aug. 22 HMM peace and the end Journal. It’s the last
Congress. arrival in Phila. (In Pennsylvania.
1769

London, England. Church in Charleston. Oct. 24 Members of

preaches in English

1787
Dec. 24 Emanuel Boston Massacre Second Continental American forces Congress, the Assembly, the old calendar of the War of entry.

1779
Samuel Muhlenberg Oct. 27 Muhlenberg and German to Independence in
First Partition of Congress meets at defeated at Dec. 27 HMM Council assemble in the date was Nov.
dies. family arrives in soldiers in Trappe. his Journal. Oct. 7 HMM dies at
Poland. Philadelphia. Germantown and writes a letter to Zion Lutheran for 25, 1742.)
Savannah. home in Trappe.
Dec. 28 HMM learns Brandywine, PA. Benjamin Franklin. service of thanks for
Continental Congress of Washington the surrender of
convenes in Phila. crossing Delaware Cornwallis. Oct. 10 HMM buried

SLAVERY
Seminary alumna Skyle Rea sees from Friedrich. in Trappe Cemetery.

today’s church as connecting people It is quite possible that Henry Melchior Muhlenberg The Henry Melchior Muhlenberg House Dig:
the way Muhlenberg did had a foretaste of the “American Dilemma” while still in university
in Halle.
Stacey-Kyle “Skyle” Rea, a 2010 LTSP Anton Wilhelm Amo is reputed to be the first African philosopher Findings Suggest a Lifestyle Different
graduate now on internship in
to receive a doctoral degree in Germany. Amo, a Ghanaian, was
Moorestown, New Jersey, is a Muhlen-
berg College graduate (2001) who ad-
sold into slavery in 1707 at age four, transported to the Dutch from What You Might Imagine
mires how hard Lutheran Patriarch
West Indies, and given to Duke Anton Ulrich von Braunschweig-
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg must have Wofenbuttel. Christened in 1708 and baptized in 1721, his bene- ARCHEOLOGICAL DIGS can help to give be typical of a kitchen site. Pressed glass
worked to hold Lutheran congregations factors assured his education, including a law degree from Halle a picture of the daily lives of people in the beads, buttons from women’s clothing, sil-
together in Eastern Pennsylvania. University (1729), and a Master (1730) and a Doctor of Philoso- ver, glass, and pieces of necklaces were also
past, and the dig begun at the Henry Mel-
“I’ve lived in Gilbertsville, Boyer- phy (1734) from Wittenberg. He was then Professor at Halle found, an indication that women would
town, Jeffersonville, and now in Center chior Muhlenberg House in Trappe, Penn-
(1735-39) and the University of Jena (1740-46). have lived and worked in the space.
City Philadelphia,” Rea explained. “My Henry Melchior Muhlenberg completed his studies at Halle in sylvania in the summer of 2010 found
home congregation in Gilbertsville was indications of a lifestyle of a reasonably “This is an example of public archeol-
1738, and might very well have crossed paths with the professor ogy,” said Farrell. Volunteers receive basic
a daughter congregation of a Muhlen- well-off family in the American colonies in
from the West Indies. Muhlenberg remained in Halle for a time, training in working at a site before they
berg church — New Hanover in
teaching at an orphanage, before being called to Grosshennerdorf the mid-1700s. Louis Farrell, a member of
Gilbertsville. Over the years I’ve personally driven over roads, proba- participate in the dig. While participants
bly many of the same roads, that Muhlenberg must have known in his orphanage as an assistant minister and director for the next two St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ambler, Penn- may lack extensive academic training, they
colonial travels. He worked so hard traveling back and forth to places years. He then accepted the call to North America. sylvania, who is a social studies teacher at come with a sense of discovery and excite-
like Trappe, where he lived, Boyertown, and Philadelphia, where he Muhlenberg arrived in Charleston, and in his journals he was Upper Perkiomen High School, Penns- ment, especially students. Farrell believes
struggled as a pastor to connect German immigrants of his day. As I conscious that there were social rules and American laws regarding burg, Pennsylvania, and a PhD student in that public archeology is important. “It at-
drive I think about our church’s deep-rooted history of connecting peo- heathen slaves. He critiques the visual life of Charleston, noting the Archeology program at Temple Uni- tracts people with ties to the area and the
ple. And that is what pastors try to do today — connect people and “one also finds here many slaves who are only half black, the off-
churches to each other so that they can serve others.” versity, is leading the multi-year dig. LTSP area’s past. The landscape may have
spring of those white Sodomites who commit fornication with changed over the years, but remnants of the
Rea said her call to become a pastor has been the result of a gradual Associate Professor of New Testament and
their black slave women.” On September 24, 1742, leaving past are still there waiting to be discovered,
journey that began at Muhlenberg College. “Muhlenberg College, Greek Robin Mattison joined over 30 vol-
through its community service outreach and teaching does a great job
Charleston to visit the Salzburg colony, he wrote, “A black heathen and academics cannot do it alone.”✛
unteer high school students from five high
of bringing people together as Henry Muhlenberg did,” she said. girl, twelve years old, had secretly slipped into our boat and seated
herself between the Salzburg children. She belonged to the colonel schools belonging to the Upper Perkiomen
As someone drawn to the life challenges she has seen in urban
Philadelphia, Rea easily became attracted to the urban/metropolitan in the city of Charleston and intended to escape from her master. Archeology Club, members of the Trappe WEB EXTRA!
W

concentration offered at LTSP and said the focus helped her take a The skipper of our boat thought she belonged to Salzburgers, since Historical Society, which owns the house,
closer look at urban challenges and what the church might do to help. and the community who worked on the Information and videos from the dig can be
the Salzburg children were burned almost as black by the sun. The
Rea believes the church serves as “Jesus in the world today. I think site from June 23 through July 18. Some found at www.thedigis.org under Muhlen-
Salzburgers ... thought she belonged to the skipper ...The skipper
most people want to help the hungry. Hunger is a problem in so many berg House Field School. Volunteers are
of the boat dragged her out and gave her a sound thrashing to make participants were drawn to the work by a
places, from cities to small towns. Food pantries do not have enough invited to join the 2011 dig, scheduled for
her admit the escape and returned her to her master. All of us on sign on the street outside the house that in-
food to meet the need in today’s struggling economy.” this July. Contact Louis Farrell at
“I’m really optimistic about today’s church and its future,” Rea con-
the boat might have been subject to arrest if we had inadvertently vited volunteers. thedigis@gmail.com with the subject line
tinued. “The church connects so many people to real need. It may not taken her along.” Farrell notes that the dig spent its first “Free Labor.” A training seminar will be
go on the way it always has, but it will continue to exist despite tough In many ways, the German immigrants Muhlenberg found in year excavating the summer kitchen site at provided.
times, and make a difference.” America were as economically suppressed as the African slaves, in- the house. A summer kitchen would have
She credits the seminary with strong teaching during her studies. dentured servants and indigenous peoples. Yet, the care of the soul been typical of German homes of the era.
“I had extraordinary friendships here, an amazing diversity of students led Muhlenberg and those he mentored. At the October 1, 1752, The dig found evidence of a family of
and perspectives on faith. The faculty and staff were so caring and consecration of a new sanctuary for St. Michael’s Lutheran Church means, with artifacts including hand
helped me to discern my future a great deal.”
in Germantown, Muhlenberg preached, and a Black male, Chris- painted Creamware, named for the cream
After concluding her current internship, she hopes to be approved
tian Gotthilff, was baptized. The growth of God’s realm, always the color of the earthenware, along with
for a call process by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, entering
service as a parish pastor in the Philadelphia area.
focus of the man sent from Halle. butchered bones and charcoal that would
The Rev. Dr. Richard N. Stewart is Associate Professor,
Communications, Parish Administration.

16 PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg www.Ltsp.edu PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg www.Ltsp.edu 17
 March 2 Peter Feb. 2 Anna
July 4 HMM notes in US Constitution
Sept. 22 Gotthilf

1774
sails to London to Muhlenberg
April 2 Pr. Henry July 26 Gotthilf his Journal that signed in Phila.
and Friedrich return be ordained in the March 3 John severely burned
Helmuth arrived in marries Mary Hall. Continental Congress

1770
to Phila. from Halle.

1778
Anglican Church. Jan. 16 HMM made brigadier when she falls into

1772
Phila. from Halle. June 13 Pr. Kunze declares independence Sept. Friedrich

1776
Aug. 27 HMM, meets with leaders general by act of Nov. 3 Friedrich pot of boiling beets.
writes the from Britain. May 27 HMM takes elected president of
Oct. 25 Gotthilf and elected speaker of Peace at Versailles

1780
Anna, and daughter of Ebenezer Church June 12 HMM

1784
April 21 John Congress.

1782
June 25 Zion Friedrich ordained ordained an constitution for a Mary sail from in Georgia and Washington defeats the Oath of the Pennsylvania Sept. 6 HMM June 12 HMM ends the war marries an African the Penn. Convention
Lutheran Church, by the Ministerium Anglican deacon in German school in Philadelphia to helps them write a Hessian troops at British defeated at Allegiance to the House of celebrates his 70th writes his last will between Britain American couple in that ratified the
Phila., dedicated. in Reading, PA. London, England. Philadelphia. Charleston, SC. constitution. Trenton, NJ. Princeton, NJ. United States. Representatives. birthday. and testament. and America. Downingtown. Constitution.
1767 1787

1775
July 11 Emanuel Boston Tea Party Sept. 29 HMM

1773
Nov. 6 Peter Oct. 15 Friedrich Sept. 25 HMM Paul Revere rides July Muhlenberg Sept. 27 Trappe March 2 Friedrich British capitulate at Dec. 6 HMM April 16 HMM HMM receives an

1781
April 23 John
Samuel Muhlenberg notes the baptizes Anna Frey.

1783
marries Anna marries Catharine ordained an preaches in English from Charleston to family moves to Trappe. Church occupied by elected to the Yorktown. celebrates the 40th honorary doctorate
He notes it in his

1771
is born. Meyer. Schaefer. Anglican priest in in the Presbyterian Lexington. Penn. militia. Continental anniversary of his proclamation of from University of

1777
Aug. 22 HMM peace and the end Journal. It’s the last
Congress. arrival in Phila. (In Pennsylvania.
1769

London, England. Church in Charleston. Oct. 24 Members of

preaches in English

1787
Dec. 24 Emanuel Boston Massacre Second Continental American forces Congress, the Assembly, the old calendar of the War of entry.

1779
Samuel Muhlenberg Oct. 27 Muhlenberg and German to Independence in
First Partition of Congress meets at defeated at Dec. 27 HMM Council assemble in the date was Nov.
dies. family arrives in soldiers in Trappe. his Journal. Oct. 7 HMM dies at
Poland. Philadelphia. Germantown and writes a letter to Zion Lutheran for 25, 1742.)
Savannah. home in Trappe.
Dec. 28 HMM learns Brandywine, PA. Benjamin Franklin. service of thanks for
Continental Congress of Washington the surrender of
convenes in Phila. crossing Delaware Cornwallis. Oct. 10 HMM buried

SLAVERY
Seminary alumna Skyle Rea sees from Friedrich. in Trappe Cemetery.

today’s church as connecting people It is quite possible that Henry Melchior Muhlenberg The Henry Melchior Muhlenberg House Dig:
the way Muhlenberg did had a foretaste of the “American Dilemma” while still in university
in Halle.
Stacey-Kyle “Skyle” Rea, a 2010 LTSP Anton Wilhelm Amo is reputed to be the first African philosopher Findings Suggest a Lifestyle Different
graduate now on internship in
to receive a doctoral degree in Germany. Amo, a Ghanaian, was
Moorestown, New Jersey, is a Muhlen-
berg College graduate (2001) who ad-
sold into slavery in 1707 at age four, transported to the Dutch from What You Might Imagine
mires how hard Lutheran Patriarch
West Indies, and given to Duke Anton Ulrich von Braunschweig-
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg must have Wofenbuttel. Christened in 1708 and baptized in 1721, his bene- ARCHEOLOGICAL DIGS can help to give be typical of a kitchen site. Pressed glass
worked to hold Lutheran congregations factors assured his education, including a law degree from Halle a picture of the daily lives of people in the beads, buttons from women’s clothing, sil-
together in Eastern Pennsylvania. University (1729), and a Master (1730) and a Doctor of Philoso- ver, glass, and pieces of necklaces were also
past, and the dig begun at the Henry Mel-
“I’ve lived in Gilbertsville, Boyer- phy (1734) from Wittenberg. He was then Professor at Halle found, an indication that women would
town, Jeffersonville, and now in Center chior Muhlenberg House in Trappe, Penn-
(1735-39) and the University of Jena (1740-46). have lived and worked in the space.
City Philadelphia,” Rea explained. “My Henry Melchior Muhlenberg completed his studies at Halle in sylvania in the summer of 2010 found
home congregation in Gilbertsville was indications of a lifestyle of a reasonably “This is an example of public archeol-
1738, and might very well have crossed paths with the professor ogy,” said Farrell. Volunteers receive basic
a daughter congregation of a Muhlen- well-off family in the American colonies in
from the West Indies. Muhlenberg remained in Halle for a time, training in working at a site before they
berg church — New Hanover in
teaching at an orphanage, before being called to Grosshennerdorf the mid-1700s. Louis Farrell, a member of
Gilbertsville. Over the years I’ve personally driven over roads, proba- participate in the dig. While participants
bly many of the same roads, that Muhlenberg must have known in his orphanage as an assistant minister and director for the next two St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ambler, Penn- may lack extensive academic training, they
colonial travels. He worked so hard traveling back and forth to places years. He then accepted the call to North America. sylvania, who is a social studies teacher at come with a sense of discovery and excite-
like Trappe, where he lived, Boyertown, and Philadelphia, where he Muhlenberg arrived in Charleston, and in his journals he was Upper Perkiomen High School, Penns- ment, especially students. Farrell believes
struggled as a pastor to connect German immigrants of his day. As I conscious that there were social rules and American laws regarding burg, Pennsylvania, and a PhD student in that public archeology is important. “It at-
drive I think about our church’s deep-rooted history of connecting peo- heathen slaves. He critiques the visual life of Charleston, noting the Archeology program at Temple Uni- tracts people with ties to the area and the
ple. And that is what pastors try to do today — connect people and “one also finds here many slaves who are only half black, the off-
churches to each other so that they can serve others.” versity, is leading the multi-year dig. LTSP area’s past. The landscape may have
spring of those white Sodomites who commit fornication with changed over the years, but remnants of the
Rea said her call to become a pastor has been the result of a gradual Associate Professor of New Testament and
their black slave women.” On September 24, 1742, leaving past are still there waiting to be discovered,
journey that began at Muhlenberg College. “Muhlenberg College, Greek Robin Mattison joined over 30 vol-
through its community service outreach and teaching does a great job
Charleston to visit the Salzburg colony, he wrote, “A black heathen and academics cannot do it alone.”✛
unteer high school students from five high
of bringing people together as Henry Muhlenberg did,” she said. girl, twelve years old, had secretly slipped into our boat and seated
herself between the Salzburg children. She belonged to the colonel schools belonging to the Upper Perkiomen
As someone drawn to the life challenges she has seen in urban
Philadelphia, Rea easily became attracted to the urban/metropolitan in the city of Charleston and intended to escape from her master. Archeology Club, members of the Trappe WEB EXTRA!
W

concentration offered at LTSP and said the focus helped her take a The skipper of our boat thought she belonged to Salzburgers, since Historical Society, which owns the house,
closer look at urban challenges and what the church might do to help. and the community who worked on the Information and videos from the dig can be
the Salzburg children were burned almost as black by the sun. The
Rea believes the church serves as “Jesus in the world today. I think site from June 23 through July 18. Some found at www.thedigis.org under Muhlen-
Salzburgers ... thought she belonged to the skipper ...The skipper
most people want to help the hungry. Hunger is a problem in so many berg House Field School. Volunteers are
of the boat dragged her out and gave her a sound thrashing to make participants were drawn to the work by a
places, from cities to small towns. Food pantries do not have enough invited to join the 2011 dig, scheduled for
her admit the escape and returned her to her master. All of us on sign on the street outside the house that in-
food to meet the need in today’s struggling economy.” this July. Contact Louis Farrell at
“I’m really optimistic about today’s church and its future,” Rea con-
the boat might have been subject to arrest if we had inadvertently vited volunteers. thedigis@gmail.com with the subject line
tinued. “The church connects so many people to real need. It may not taken her along.” Farrell notes that the dig spent its first “Free Labor.” A training seminar will be
go on the way it always has, but it will continue to exist despite tough In many ways, the German immigrants Muhlenberg found in year excavating the summer kitchen site at provided.
times, and make a difference.” America were as economically suppressed as the African slaves, in- the house. A summer kitchen would have
She credits the seminary with strong teaching during her studies. dentured servants and indigenous peoples. Yet, the care of the soul been typical of German homes of the era.
“I had extraordinary friendships here, an amazing diversity of students led Muhlenberg and those he mentored. At the October 1, 1752, The dig found evidence of a family of
and perspectives on faith. The faculty and staff were so caring and consecration of a new sanctuary for St. Michael’s Lutheran Church means, with artifacts including hand
helped me to discern my future a great deal.”
in Germantown, Muhlenberg preached, and a Black male, Chris- painted Creamware, named for the cream
After concluding her current internship, she hopes to be approved
tian Gotthilff, was baptized. The growth of God’s realm, always the color of the earthenware, along with
for a call process by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, entering
service as a parish pastor in the Philadelphia area.
focus of the man sent from Halle. butchered bones and charcoal that would
The Rev. Dr. Richard N. Stewart is Associate Professor,
Communications, Parish Administration.

16 PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg www.Ltsp.edu PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg www.Ltsp.edu 17
 This mural is from New Hanover Lutheran Church, served by Muhlenberg. It
depicts the 1768 meeting of the Pennsylvania Ministerium, during which the
congregation’s new church building was dedicated.
Images from a Newly Planted Church
THE FOLLOWING STRIKING IMAGES connected to the life of Lutheran Patriarch Henry
Melchior Muhlenberg appeared originally in a 1996 commemorative booklet celebrating his life
and sacrifice expended in “planting the Lutheran Church” in North America. His exhaustive,
pioneering efforts paved the way for the founding of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at
Philadelphia in 1864.
The pictures and captions describe the efforts of the pastor from Halle, Germany, to organize
a church and its immigrant believers in a new land, including the formation of the young
church’s three original congregations — Augustus Church in Trappe, New Hanover Church in
New Hanover, and Old Zion in Philadelphia, all in Pennsylvania — as well as other colonial
churches in the region.
View a copy of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg & the Colonial Lutheran Church including more
artifacts and stories: www.Ltsp.edu/colonialchurch.
(Clockwise from top left): Muhlenberg’s collec-
tion of boxed cards for daily Bible reading and
meditation, a mainstay of the piety fostered at
Halle, Germany, that flourished in America
among the colonial immigrants.
Among Henry Melchior Muhlenberg’s many
personal effects housed at LTSP is this small
wooden chest.
A 1749 deed, signed by Muhlenberg and his
wife, Anna, for the purchase of land to be used
for the building of a seminary, school, and re-
tirement home. This went unrealized until the
founding of LTSP in 1864.
Muhlenberg’s ordination certificate (1739) was
often utilized to help the patriarch of American
Lutheranism establish his position as a recog-
nized Lutheran clergyman in the eyes of both
the congregations he was invited to serve and
of the civil and religious authorities of the day.
18 PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg
Legend has it that during the Revolutionary
War, John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg (Henry’s
son), an officer in the colonial militia, entered
the pulpit of his congregation in Woodstock,
Virginia, wearing this preaching robe. He then
said, “There is a time to preach and a time to
fight, and now is the time to fight,” took off
his robe to reveal his military uniform under-
neath, and joined his waiting troops.
www.Ltsp.edu
Resettling Immigrants: A Muhlenberg
Legacy Passed Down to Modern Day
in North America
NORTH AMERICAN PATRIARCH Henry
Melchior Muhlenberg’s exhaustive efforts
to plant the Lutheran Church in colonial
North America also planted the seeds for a
lively legacy of serving immigrants today in
America and abroad.
The baton has been passed to Lutheran
Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS)
and Lutheran World Relief (LWR) and
many partner congregations and organiza-
tions. LWR is lead today by The Rev. John
Nunes, who once studied at The Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP).
“I’ve seen first-hand the work of LIRS
and LWR overseas,” explained The Rev. Dr.
David D. Grafton, LTSP’s Associate Pro-
fessor of Islamic Studies and Christian-
Muslim Relations and Director of
Graduate Studies. His last call was in mis-
sionary service in Egypt. In a nutshell, he
explained, LWR works to assist refugees in
a variety of troubled world settings, paving
the way for LIRS to enter the scene to
strategize the resettling of refugees in trou-
ble as immigrants to other parts of the world.
Reflecting on Muhlenberg’s inherited
legacy, LWR President and CEO John
Nunes said, “Lutheran World Relief is
proud to stand on the tradition that Henry
Melchior Muhlenberg so greatly influ-
enced. Muhlenberg’s deep connections to
the wider Lutheran community, both in
America and Europe, began a legacy that
eventually led to the creation of LWR.
“After World War II, when Lutherans in
Germany had been battered, bombed, and
displaced from their homes, Muhlenberg’s
PS ✛ SPRING 2011
legacy among Lutherans in the United
States served as a catalyst for Lutherans
taking up the cause of relief,” Nunes added.
“The relationships that Muhlenberg first
fostered led to the shipment so many years
later of quilts and clothing to those most in
need. And the international worldview of
the Lutheran colonial tradition carries on,
as we reach out to the victims of disasters,
poverty, and injustice, and envision a world
where each person, every community, and
all generations live in justice, dignity, and peace.”
LWR is working around the world to
end poverty, injustice, and human suffer-
ing. One major way LWR is carrying out
that mission is by fighting malaria in Africa
through the Lutheran Malaria Initiative
(LMI), a movement to help end malaria
deaths in Africa by 2015. The agency is re-
sponding to the Japan earthquake through
its partners at the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America and the Lutheran
Church — Missouri Synod. It continues to
work with partners in Haiti in the after-
math of 2010’s earthquake, in Colombia
following flooding episodes there, as well
as with other emergency/disaster situations
around the world.
“The spirit of Muhlenberg’s ministry to
immigrants lives on in the Lutheran legacy
of serving the newcomer in this land,” ex-
plained Linda Hartke, LIRS President and
CEO. The headquarters for both LWR
and LIRS are in Baltimore, Maryland.
“Whether it is a German immigrant con-
gregation in eighteenth-century Pennsylva-
nia, a German orphan of the Second World
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg
The Rev. John Nunes
The Rev. Dr. David D. Grafton
War, or an Iraqi family finding a new be-
ginning in Detroit, we are called as a faith
community to journey together with them
in service and justice.
“As an organization, we are proud to be
the embodiment of that legacy today,”
Hartke continued. “Every day, I see in our
dedicated staff and partners the energy,
perseverance, and self-sacrifice that Muh-
lenberg was known for.
“In the same way Muhlenberg eventu-
ally organized the congregations he served
into an independent synod, we too strive to
enable refugees and immigrants to become
independent and self-sufficient as quickly
as possible,” Hartke noted. “It is a beautiful
miracle and a privilege to see them rebuild
in a new country and quickly begin to give
back to their communities. This cycle of
continued service bears witness to God’s
love and sustains us as we continue to find
new and better ways to serve the sojourner
and the newcomer.”
As a professor of Islamic studies with
nine years of experience in the Middle
East, Grafton is proud of the continuing
Lutheran legacy serving refugees and im-
migrants worldwide.✛
www.Ltsp.edu 19
 This mural is from New Hanover Lutheran Church, served by Muhlenberg. It
depicts the 1768 meeting of the Pennsylvania Ministerium, during which the
congregation’s new church building was dedicated.
Images from a Newly Planted Church
THE FOLLOWING STRIKING IMAGES connected to the life of Lutheran Patriarch Henry
Melchior Muhlenberg appeared originally in a 1996 commemorative booklet celebrating his life
and sacrifice expended in “planting the Lutheran Church” in North America. His exhaustive,
pioneering efforts paved the way for the founding of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at
Philadelphia in 1864.
The pictures and captions describe the efforts of the pastor from Halle, Germany, to organize
a church and its immigrant believers in a new land, including the formation of the young
church’s three original congregations — Augustus Church in Trappe, New Hanover Church in
New Hanover, and Old Zion in Philadelphia, all in Pennsylvania — as well as other colonial
churches in the region.
View a copy of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg & the Colonial Lutheran Church including more
artifacts and stories: www.Ltsp.edu/colonialchurch.
(Clockwise from top left): Muhlenberg’s collec-
tion of boxed cards for daily Bible reading and
meditation, a mainstay of the piety fostered at
Halle, Germany, that flourished in America
among the colonial immigrants.
Among Henry Melchior Muhlenberg’s many
personal effects housed at LTSP is this small
wooden chest.
A 1749 deed, signed by Muhlenberg and his
wife, Anna, for the purchase of land to be used
for the building of a seminary, school, and re-
tirement home. This went unrealized until the
founding of LTSP in 1864.
Muhlenberg’s ordination certificate (1739) was
often utilized to help the patriarch of American
Lutheranism establish his position as a recog-
nized Lutheran clergyman in the eyes of both
the congregations he was invited to serve and
of the civil and religious authorities of the day.
18 PS ✛ SPRING 2011 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg
Legend has it that during the Revolutionary
War, John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg (Henry’s
son), an officer in the colonial militia, entered
the pulpit of his congregation in Woodstock,
Virginia, wearing this preaching robe. He then
said, “There is a time to preach and a time to
fight, and now is the time to fight,” took off
his robe to reveal his military uniform under-
neath, and joined his waiting troops.
www.Ltsp.edu
Resettling Immigrants: A Muhlenberg
Legacy Passed Down to Modern Day
in North America
NORTH AMERICAN PATRIARCH Henry
Melchior Muhlenberg’s exhaustive efforts
to plant the Lutheran Church in colonial
North America also planted the seeds for a
lively legacy of serving immigrants today in
America and abroad.
The baton has been passed to Lutheran
Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS)
and Lutheran World Relief (LWR) and
many partner congregations and organiza-
tions. LWR is lead today by The Rev. John
Nunes, who once studied at The Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP).
“I’ve seen first-hand the work of LIRS
and LWR overseas,” explained The Rev. Dr.
David D. Grafton, LTSP’s Associate Pro-
fessor of Islamic Studies and Christian-
Muslim Relations and Director of
Graduate Studies. His last call was in mis-
sionary service in Egypt. In a nutshell, he
explained, LWR works to assist refugees in
a variety of troubled world settings, paving
the way for LIRS to enter the scene to
strategize the resettling of refugees in trou-
ble as immigrants to other parts of the world.
Reflecting on Muhlenberg’s inherited
legacy, LWR President and CEO John
Nunes said, “Lutheran World Relief is
proud to stand on the tradition that Henry
Melchior Muhlenberg so greatly influ-
enced. Muhlenberg’s deep connections to
the wider Lutheran community, both in
America and Europe, began a legacy that
eventually led to the creation of LWR.
“After World War II, when Lutherans in
Germany had been battered, bombed, and
displaced from their homes, Muhlenberg’s
PS ✛ SPRING 2011
legacy among Lutherans in the United
States served as a catalyst for Lutherans
taking up the cause of relief,” Nunes added.
“The relationships that Muhlenberg first
fostered led to the shipment so many years
later of quilts and clothing to those most in
need. And the international worldview of
the Lutheran colonial tradition carries on,
as we reach out to the victims of disasters,
poverty, and injustice, and envision a world
where each person, every community, and
all generations live in justice, dignity, and peace.”
LWR is working around the world to
end poverty, injustice, and human suffer-
ing. One major way LWR is carrying out
that mission is by fighting malaria in Africa
through the Lutheran Malaria Initiative
(LMI), a movement to help end malaria
deaths in Africa by 2015. The agency is re-
sponding to the Japan earthquake through
its partners at the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America and the Lutheran
Church — Missouri Synod. It continues to
work with partners in Haiti in the after-
math of 2010’s earthquake, in Colombia
following flooding episodes there, as well
as with other emergency/disaster situations
around the world.
“The spirit of Muhlenberg’s ministry to
immigrants lives on in the Lutheran legacy
of serving the newcomer in this land,” ex-
plained Linda Hartke, LIRS President and
CEO. The headquarters for both LWR
and LIRS are in Baltimore, Maryland.
“Whether it is a German immigrant con-
gregation in eighteenth-century Pennsylva-
nia, a German orphan of the Second World
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg
The Rev. John Nunes
The Rev. Dr. David D. Grafton
War, or an Iraqi family finding a new be-
ginning in Detroit, we are called as a faith
community to journey together with them
in service and justice.
“As an organization, we are proud to be
the embodiment of that legacy today,”
Hartke continued. “Every day, I see in our
dedicated staff and partners the energy,
perseverance, and self-sacrifice that Muh-
lenberg was known for.
“In the same way Muhlenberg eventu-
ally organized the congregations he served
into an independent synod, we too strive to
enable refugees and immigrants to become
independent and self-sufficient as quickly
as possible,” Hartke noted. “It is a beautiful
miracle and a privilege to see them rebuild
in a new country and quickly begin to give
back to their communities. This cycle of
continued service bears witness to God’s
love and sustains us as we continue to find
new and better ways to serve the sojourner
and the newcomer.”
As a professor of Islamic studies with
nine years of experience in the Middle
East, Grafton is proud of the continuing
Lutheran legacy serving refugees and im-
migrants worldwide.✛
www.Ltsp.edu 19
ALUMNI NEWS✛
THE REV. BRUCE H. DAVIDSON, class of
1974, was this year’s recipient of the Dis-
tinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award of
The Lutheran Theological Seminary at
Philadelphia (LTSP) and was honored at
the annual convocation banquet Tuesday
May 3, at LTSP.
Davidson, a resident of Stockton, New
Jersey, was recognized for his commitment
to parish ministry as well as his visionary
leadership for 10 years as director of the
Lutheran Office for Governmental Min-
istry (LOGM/NJ), where he served as an
advocate to public officials and congrega-
tions on behalf of the poor, homeless and
disenfranchised before retiring this year.
The recipient of many honors and
awards over the years, Davidson received
two appointments from former New Jersey
Gov. John Corzine: the Housing Transi-
tion Team and the New Jersey Inter-
Agency Team on Preventing and Reducing
Homelessness. He is a founding member of
the New Jersey Advocacy Network to End
Homelessness, the Anti-Poverty Network
of New Jersey, and the New Jersey Anti-
Hunger Coalition.
Prior to his appointment to LOGM/
NJ, he served as pastor of Holy Trinity
Lutheran Church, Wildwood, New Jersey
(1974-1981), pastor of St. Paul Lutheran
Church, Teaneck, New Jersey (1981-
1992), as director of the Lutheran
HIV/AIDS Ministry of New Jersey ( July
1992-June 1996), and as pastor of St. John
Lutheran Church, Summit, New Jersey, in
20 PS ✛ SPRING 2011
Bruce H. Davidson, class of 1974,
this year’s Distinguished LTSP Alumnus
For 10 years he advocated vigorously for New Jersey’s
poor, homeless, and disenfranchised
an intentional three-year-interim call as
full-time senior pastor and head of staff.
Davidson credits the clarity of biblical
and theological teaching at LTSP in aiding
him to communicate clearly to others, in-
cluding sometimes unchurched politicians,
the essential importance of justice through
serving others. “I learned in the process of
responding to my call to serve as a pastor
that God has first loved and forgiven me
unconditionally, and that truth has given
me the freedom to be part of a plan to en-
courage us to love one another. If God can
use me in service this way, then God can
use anybody.”
He credits his parents and family life to
introducing him to this kind of truth. “In
my family life it was made clear to me that
it’s not right to value ourselves over others,”
he said. While attending Temple Univer-
sity (BA English, 1970), he recalled plans
the University had to expand into its
neighborhood and being impressed by
neighbors who at forums were protesting
the removal of their homes. The passion of
the neighborhood impressed him. “I have
also been impressed too over the years by
the seminary’s commitment to its neigh-
bors and its connection to the city even be-
fore it adopted its current language of
teaching about Public Leadership,” he said.
Davidson said he first began to think of
becoming a pastor when at the age of 16 a
woman friend encouraged him to get in-
volved in Christian Education at Redemp-
tion Lutheran Church in Northeast
Philadelphia, where his family belonged.
“Without question my gifts and inter-
ests were best used in these recent years
with LOGM/NJ,” he felt. “I got to help
both those in the church and those in
elected office think about the importance
of caring for the overlooked. I think some
in public office, especially those who had
fallen away from the church, were really
surprised that a church body would devote
its energy and time and give resources to-
ward building a public voice. I think many
of them felt the church was only interested
in establishing a sense of piety, looking to-
ward heaven, or exercising judgment
against folks such as those with a sexual
orientation they don’t agree with. Instead
they heard a different message about how
people are challenged to live with a con-
cern for justice and love for all.” He re-
called seminary professors like Ted Tappert
and Robert Hughes teaching him about
what it means to be a faithful believer.
Davidson admits to being concerned
that the passion for “protecting the vulner-
able” may be ebbing in the current political
process. “As Lutherans it is helpful to re-
member what Martin Luther wrote about
concerning the importance of government
and how it has an appropriate responsibil-
ity to serve those in need.”
Among his many honors, as director of
LOGM Davidson received the Equal Jus-
tice Award from Legal Services of New Jer-
sey in 2004 and a Community Service
Award at the 23rd Annual Awards Dinner
of New Jersey Citizen Action in 2007. He
was honored as Humanitarian of the Year
continued on page 24
www.Ltsp.edu
classNOTES
The Rev. Dr. Ed Oestreich BD, ’58 has written
and published a book of original poetry enti-
tled Far From Home. (Goose River Press, 2010)
The Rev. Dr. Robert H. Linders, BD ’67, senior
pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran
Church in Doylestown for
the past 33 years, was in-
ducted into his high school’s
Hall of Fame on March 30.
Linders was New Jersey
State Champion in the 800
Meter Run in 1960 and also a
member of the school’s Championship of
America Mile Relay team, winning that event
in what was then the third fastest time in the
history of the Penn Relays. Both records have
been unsurpassed after 50 years at his high
school, Northern Valley Regional in Demarest, NJ.
In 2001, Linders was inducted into the Gettys-
burg College Hall of Fame. He still holds the
800 Meter record at Gettysburg of 1:50.0 set
at the IC4A Championships at Villanova Uni-
versity in May 1964. In June 1964, he repre-
sented the USA in dual meet against Great
Britain in London.
After graduation from Gettysburg College in
1964, and LTSP in 1967, Linders earned an MA
in English from Monmouth University and both
master’s and doctoral degrees from Princeton
University. He has been a guest lecturer in
preaching at Catholic University and LTSP.
Gregory Shreaves, MDiv ’05, was installed as
pastor at Allegheny Evangel-
ical Lutheran Church,
Knauers (Mohnton), PA, on
Sunday, May 15, 2011.
PS ✛ SPRING 2011
The Rev. Annemarie H. Cook, MDiv, 07, was
installed as pastor of Holy
Trinity Lutheran Church,
Maple Shade, NJ, on May 1,
2011.
Jennifer Kingstorf, MDiv ’07, was installed as
associate pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church,
Robesonia, PA, on May 22, 2011.
Welcome Rowan Michael Wesch, born April
27, 2011 at 1:14 am, 7 lbs. 11 oz., 20 inches to
Erika Wesch, MDiv '08, associate pastor at St.
Paul’s Lutheran Church, Doylestown, PA, and
Guenter M. Wesch.
Kathleen A. Afflerbach, MAR ’09, Service of
Commissioning as an Asso-
ciate in Ministry in the ELCA
at St. John’s Evangelical
Lutheran Church, Quaker-
town, PA, May 21, 2011.
Afflerbach, who has served
at LTSP for over 10 years,
has been extended a call by the seminary as
the Lay Theological Education Coordinator. In
this role she will be working towards provid-
ing continuing education opportunities for
developing and equipping lay leaders as well
as promoting and strengthening the current
lay theological education offerings of the
Faith and Life Institute at LTSP. Afflerbach will
also connect to advisory planning groups
such as the Network for Lifelong Learning of
the ELCA Eastern Cluster to develop pro-
grams for lay theological education between
the seminary, ELCA synods, and ecumenical
partners.
Afflerbach will continue her current responsi-
bilities as Director of Donor Services in the
Development Office.
Daniel W. Brettell, MDiv, ’10, was ordained on
Saturday, February 19, 2011,
at Arndt’s Lutheran Church,
Easton, PA. Pastor Brettell is
now serving at St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church, Fountain
Hill, PA.
James Goodyear, MDiv ’10, was ordained on
Sunday, April 10, 2011 at
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church,
Huntingdon Valley, PA. Pas-
tor Goodyear will be serving
at Trinity Lutheran Church,
Fort Washington, PA.
Dana Heiserer, MDiv ‘10 was ordained on
Sunday, April 17, 2011 at St.
Petri-Hope Lutheran Church,
Philadelphia, PA, where she
is serving.
Mark Rigg, MDiv ’10, was ordained and in-
stalled as the new pastor of
Advent Lutheran Church,
West Lawn, PA, on January
15, 2011.
Steven Wilco, MDiv 10, was ordained on
February 5, 2011, at Grace
Lutheran Church in West
Springfield, MA, and has
been called to serve as pas-
tor of Immanuel Lutheran
Church in Amherst, MA.
Ray Ranker, MDiv ’11, has been called to be
Lutheran Campus Pastor at
the University of Maryland
(UMD), beginning July 1,
2011. He is a 2004 graduate
of UMD, College Park.
WEB EXTRA!
W
Visit Ltsp.edu/alumni-news for more alumni news!
ALUMNI UPDATES:
Please keep us up to date on ministry
calls, ordinations, and other alumni
news to be included in upcoming issues
of PS by emailing Ellen Anderson, Direc-
tor of Alumni and Church Relations at
eanderson@Ltsp.edu.
We’d love to hear from you!
www.Ltsp.edu 21
ALUMNI NEWS✛
THE REV. BRUCE H. DAVIDSON, class of
1974, was this year’s recipient of the Dis-
tinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award of
The Lutheran Theological Seminary at
Philadelphia (LTSP) and was honored at
the annual convocation banquet Tuesday
May 3, at LTSP.
Davidson, a resident of Stockton, New
Jersey, was recognized for his commitment
to parish ministry as well as his visionary
leadership for 10 years as director of the
Lutheran Office for Governmental Min-
istry (LOGM/NJ), where he served as an
advocate to public officials and congrega-
tions on behalf of the poor, homeless and
disenfranchised before retiring this year.
The recipient of many honors and
awards over the years, Davidson received
two appointments from former New Jersey
Gov. John Corzine: the Housing Transi-
tion Team and the New Jersey Inter-
Agency Team on Preventing and Reducing
Homelessness. He is a founding member of
the New Jersey Advocacy Network to End
Homelessness, the Anti-Poverty Network
of New Jersey, and the New Jersey Anti-
Hunger Coalition.
Prior to his appointment to LOGM/
NJ, he served as pastor of Holy Trinity
Lutheran Church, Wildwood, New Jersey
(1974-1981), pastor of St. Paul Lutheran
Church, Teaneck, New Jersey (1981-
1992), as director of the Lutheran
HIV/AIDS Ministry of New Jersey ( July
1992-June 1996), and as pastor of St. John
Lutheran Church, Summit, New Jersey, in
20 PS ✛ SPRING 2011
Bruce H. Davidson, class of 1974,
this year’s Distinguished LTSP Alumnus
For 10 years he advocated vigorously for New Jersey’s
poor, homeless, and disenfranchised
an intentional three-year-interim call as
full-time senior pastor and head of staff.
Davidson credits the clarity of biblical
and theological teaching at LTSP in aiding
him to communicate clearly to others, in-
cluding sometimes unchurched politicians,
the essential importance of justice through
serving others. “I learned in the process of
responding to my call to serve as a pastor
that God has first loved and forgiven me
unconditionally, and that truth has given
me the freedom to be part of a plan to en-
courage us to love one another. If God can
use me in service this way, then God can
use anybody.”
He credits his parents and family life to
introducing him to this kind of truth. “In
my family life it was made clear to me that
it’s not right to value ourselves over others,”
he said. While attending Temple Univer-
sity (BA English, 1970), he recalled plans
the University had to expand into its
neighborhood and being impressed by
neighbors who at forums were protesting
the removal of their homes. The passion of
the neighborhood impressed him. “I have
also been impressed too over the years by
the seminary’s commitment to its neigh-
bors and its connection to the city even be-
fore it adopted its current language of
teaching about Public Leadership,” he said.
Davidson said he first began to think of
becoming a pastor when at the age of 16 a
woman friend encouraged him to get in-
volved in Christian Education at Redemp-
tion Lutheran Church in Northeast
Philadelphia, where his family belonged.
“Without question my gifts and inter-
ests were best used in these recent years
with LOGM/NJ,” he felt. “I got to help
both those in the church and those in
elected office think about the importance
of caring for the overlooked. I think some
in public office, especially those who had
fallen away from the church, were really
surprised that a church body would devote
its energy and time and give resources to-
ward building a public voice. I think many
of them felt the church was only interested
in establishing a sense of piety, looking to-
ward heaven, or exercising judgment
against folks such as those with a sexual
orientation they don’t agree with. Instead
they heard a different message about how
people are challenged to live with a con-
cern for justice and love for all.” He re-
called seminary professors like Ted Tappert
and Robert Hughes teaching him about
what it means to be a faithful believer.
Davidson admits to being concerned
that the passion for “protecting the vulner-
able” may be ebbing in the current political
process. “As Lutherans it is helpful to re-
member what Martin Luther wrote about
concerning the importance of government
and how it has an appropriate responsibil-
ity to serve those in need.”
Among his many honors, as director of
LOGM Davidson received the Equal Jus-
tice Award from Legal Services of New Jer-
sey in 2004 and a Community Service
Award at the 23rd Annual Awards Dinner
of New Jersey Citizen Action in 2007. He
was honored as Humanitarian of the Year
continued on page 24
www.Ltsp.edu
classNOTES
The Rev. Dr. Ed Oestreich BD, ’58 has written
and published a book of original poetry enti-
tled Far From Home. (Goose River Press, 2010)
The Rev. Dr. Robert H. Linders, BD ’67, senior
pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran
Church in Doylestown for
the past 33 years, was in-
ducted into his high school’s
Hall of Fame on March 30.
Linders was New Jersey
State Champion in the 800
Meter Run in 1960 and also a
member of the school’s Championship of
America Mile Relay team, winning that event
in what was then the third fastest time in the
history of the Penn Relays. Both records have
been unsurpassed after 50 years at his high
school, Northern Valley Regional in Demarest, NJ.
In 2001, Linders was inducted into the Gettys-
burg College Hall of Fame. He still holds the
800 Meter record at Gettysburg of 1:50.0 set
at the IC4A Championships at Villanova Uni-
versity in May 1964. In June 1964, he repre-
sented the USA in dual meet against Great
Britain in London.
After graduation from Gettysburg College in
1964, and LTSP in 1967, Linders earned an MA
in English from Monmouth University and both
master’s and doctoral degrees from Princeton
University. He has been a guest lecturer in
preaching at Catholic University and LTSP.
Gregory Shreaves, MDiv ’05, was installed as
pastor at Allegheny Evangel-
ical Lutheran Church,
Knauers (Mohnton), PA, on
Sunday, May 15, 2011.
PS ✛ SPRING 2011
The Rev. Annemarie H. Cook, MDiv, 07, was
installed as pastor of Holy
Trinity Lutheran Church,
Maple Shade, NJ, on May 1,
2011.
Jennifer Kingstorf, MDiv ’07, was installed as
associate pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church,
Robesonia, PA, on May 22, 2011.
Welcome Rowan Michael Wesch, born April
27, 2011 at 1:14 am, 7 lbs. 11 oz., 20 inches to
Erika Wesch, MDiv '08, associate pastor at St.
Paul’s Lutheran Church, Doylestown, PA, and
Guenter M. Wesch.
Kathleen A. Afflerbach, MAR ’09, Service of
Commissioning as an Asso-
ciate in Ministry in the ELCA
at St. John’s Evangelical
Lutheran Church, Quaker-
town, PA, May 21, 2011.
Afflerbach, who has served
at LTSP for over 10 years,
has been extended a call by the seminary as
the Lay Theological Education Coordinator. In
this role she will be working towards provid-
ing continuing education opportunities for
developing and equipping lay leaders as well
as promoting and strengthening the current
lay theological education offerings of the
Faith and Life Institute at LTSP. Afflerbach will
also connect to advisory planning groups
such as the Network for Lifelong Learning of
the ELCA Eastern Cluster to develop pro-
grams for lay theological education between
the seminary, ELCA synods, and ecumenical
partners.
Afflerbach will continue her current responsi-
bilities as Director of Donor Services in the
Development Office.
Daniel W. Brettell, MDiv, ’10, was ordained on
Saturday, February 19, 2011,
at Arndt’s Lutheran Church,
Easton, PA. Pastor Brettell is
now serving at St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church, Fountain
Hill, PA.
James Goodyear, MDiv ’10, was ordained on
Sunday, April 10, 2011 at
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church,
Huntingdon Valley, PA. Pas-
tor Goodyear will be serving
at Trinity Lutheran Church,
Fort Washington, PA.
Dana Heiserer, MDiv ‘10 was ordained on
Sunday, April 17, 2011 at St.
Petri-Hope Lutheran Church,
Philadelphia, PA, where she
is serving.
Mark Rigg, MDiv ’10, was ordained and in-
stalled as the new pastor of
Advent Lutheran Church,
West Lawn, PA, on January
15, 2011.
Steven Wilco, MDiv 10, was ordained on
February 5, 2011, at Grace
Lutheran Church in West
Springfield, MA, and has
been called to serve as pas-
tor of Immanuel Lutheran
Church in Amherst, MA.
Ray Ranker, MDiv ’11, has been called to be
Lutheran Campus Pastor at
the University of Maryland
(UMD), beginning July 1,
2011. He is a 2004 graduate
of UMD, College Park.
WEB EXTRA!
W
Visit Ltsp.edu/alumni-news for more alumni news!
ALUMNI UPDATES:
Please keep us up to date on ministry
calls, ordinations, and other alumni
news to be included in upcoming issues
of PS by emailing Ellen Anderson, Direc-
tor of Alumni and Church Relations at
eanderson@Ltsp.edu.
We’d love to hear from you!
www.Ltsp.edu 21
NEWS✛NOTES
FACULTY/STAFF ACTIVITIES
DR. WAYNE E. CROFT, SR.
Jeremiah A. Wright, Sr. Associate
Professor of Homiletics and Litur-
gics in African American Studies
November 2010: served as guest
lecturer at the How Shall They
Hear Without A Preacher confer-
ence in Morristown, New Jersey,
lecture was “Hope and Restora-
tion: Necessary Elements for
Prophetic Preaching”; January
2011: guest preacher for The Mar-
tin Luther King, Jr. Day at Prince-
ton Theological Seminary in
Princeton, New Jersey; guest
preacher at St. Paul’s Baptist Church
in West Chester, Pennsylvania for
Erik Heen bestowed the the 124th Church Anniversary;
March 2011: guest preacher for
John H.P. Reumann Chair in the Baptist Ministers Conference
of Philadelphia and Vicinity.
Biblical Studies
DR . ERIK HEEN, LTSP PROFESSOR OF NEW TESTAMENT
AND GREEK, was bestowed the John H.P. Reumann Chair in
Biblical Studies at a festive celebration event on April 5, 2011.
After presentation of the chair by LTSP President The Rev. Dr.
Philip D. Krey, Dr. Heen presented his first lecture as Reumann
Chair entitled “The Antikythera Mechanism, the Bible and the
Cross.” The Antikythera Mechanism is an ancient mechanical
computer designed to calculate astronomical positions. It was
recovered in 1900-01 from the bottom of the sea near the Greek
island of Antikythera. LTSP President Philip D. Krey presented
the chair to Heen. Before the chairing, LTSP Dean J. Paul Ra-
jashekar offered remarks on the Reumann Chair and Prof.
Reumann; other speakers included The Rev. Dr. Robert B. DR. WIL C.M. GAFNEY Associ-
Robinson, Anna Burkhalter Professor of Old Testament and He- ate Professor, Hebrew and Old
brew and senior member of the faculty, who paid tribute to Testament
Heen and to John Reumann; The Rev. Dr. John Richter, Board “Intoxicating Teaching as Trans-
chair at LTSP who shared anecdotes about Reumann and Heen, formational Pedagogy” Transform-
and The Rev. Dr. J. Jayakiran Sebastian, H. George Anderson ing Graduate Biblical Education:
Ethos and Discipline, Society of
Professor of Mission and Cultures, who offered the opening
Biblical Literature Global Perspec-
prayer. tive Series, eds., Elisabeth
Dr. Heen earned a BA from Harvard College, 1973; an MDiv Schüssler Fiorenza and Kent
from Harvard Divinity School, 1982; MTh from Luther Theo- Harold Richards, 2010; “Terroris-
logical Seminary, 1990; MPhil from Columbia University, 1993; tic Threats: A Woman-Prophet
and PhD from Columbia University, 1997. His dissertation, Takes on an Imperial Imposter in
“Saturnalicius Princeps: The Enthronement of Jesus in Early an Anti-Poverty Campaign, The
No‘adiah/Nehemiah Conflict,”
Christian Discourse” (UMI Microfilm Number 9728216),
Journal of Black Theology (Spring
continued on page 24 2011); on sabbatical writing A
22 PS ✛ SPRING 2011
Womanist Midrash: A (Re-) Intro-
duction to the Hebrew Scriptures
(Fortress Press); January 2011:
lectured for the Episcopal Club of
Philadelphia on “The Jewish Jesus
and Gentile Christians”; March
2011: lectured at McCormick
Theological Seminary for MLK
Heritage and History Lecture and
Community Bible Study, “The
Day the Sun Stood Still for
Sheerah the City-Builder,” led
bible study, “Begetting the Begats:
Gender and Genealogy”; April
2011: Scholar/Priest-in-Residence
at All Saints Episcopal Church in
Kapaa on the island of Kauai,
Hawaii (phase one); presented for
the Clergy Theological Day of
Study in the Diocese of Hawaii.
DR. DAVID D. GRAFTON
Associate Professor, Islamic
Studies and Christian-Muslim
Relations and Director of Gradu-
ate Studies PRESENTATIONS
January 2011: “Responding to the
American Media View of Islam,”
at the Lancaster Inter-Faith Peace
Witness program, Lancaster,
Pennsylvania; “America as a Multi-
Religious Country,” at St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church, Doylestown,
Pennsylvania; March 2011: “Reli-
gion and Identity in the Middle
East,” Theologian in Residence
Program at St. John’s Lutheran
Church, Phoenixville, Pennsylva-
nia; “The Youth Revolution in the
Arab Middle East,” University
Lutheran Church, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania; Interfaith Center
Alternative Spring Break Program,
“An overview of Christian-Muslim
Relations”; March/April 2011: “A
Muslim View of Good Friday,”
Lenten Book Study at Upper
Dublin Lutheran Church, Ambler,
Pennsylvania; PARTICIPATION
March 2011: LTSP International
Student Dinner at St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church, Glenside, Penn-
sylvania; PC-USA/Muslim Amer-
ican Society Dialogue; BOOK
www.Ltsp.edu
REVIEWS The Coptic Papacy in
Islamic Egypt 641-1517, Mark N.
Swanson (New York: The Ameri-
can University in Cairo Press,
2010): International Bulletin of
Missionary Research, 35, Issue 1
( Jan 2011); ARTICLES “The
Youth Revolution in Egypt and
the Church’s Response,” The Jour-
nal of Lutheran Ethics 11, no. 2
(March/April 2011) found at
Ltsp.edu/Grafton-egyptyouth.
DR. ERIK M. HEEN John H.P.
Reumann Professor of Biblical
Studies
January 2011: presented, “Hospi-
tality and the New Testament”
(three sessions), Bryn Mawr Pres-
byterian Church, Bryn Mawr,
Pennsylvania; presented, “The
New Testament Theology of Dia-
conia,” Diaconal Ministry Forma-
tion Event, the Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Gettys-
burg; presented, “The Gospel of
Matthew” (2 sessions), Trinity
Lutheran Church, Reading, Penn-
sylvania; February 2011: preached
and presented sermon on the
Eighth Sunday After the Epiphany,
Year A, adult forum, “Lutheran In-
terpretation of Scripture,” St. John’s
Evangelical Lutheran Church,
Ambler, Pennsylvania; presented,
“Lenten Texts (Year A of the Re-
vised Common Lectionary),”
Upper Montgomery Conference
of SEPA Synod, ELCA, Grace
Lutheran Church, Pottstown,
Pennsylvania; March 2011: pre-
sented “Hospitality and the Bible,”
four week adult forum, Upper
Dublin Lutheran Church, Ambler,
Pennsylvania.
DR. JOHN F. HOFFMEYER
Associate Professor, Systematic
Theology Auxiliary editor of the
Winter 2010 issue of Dialog on
the theme “Theology in a Con-
sumer Society:” article “Thinking
Theologically About Consumer
Society” in the Winter 2010 issue
PS ✛ SPRING 2011
of Dialog; two-week series on
“How Lutherans Read the Bible”
at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church,
Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania;
preached and taught Adult Forum
on “Shopping and Salvation” at St.
Luke Lutheran Church, Devon,
Pennsylvania; in-depth workshop
on “Abundant Living: Youth Min-
istry in a Consumer Society,” at
the Gathering in the East of the
ELCA Youth Ministry Network;
keynote speaker at 2011 retreat of
the Virginia Synod Lutheran Men
in Mission on the theme “Ambas-
sadors of Christ — Empowered by
Our Triune God.”
JOHN KAHLER, Director of
Storm Swain Promoted to
Communications/Manager of
the Media Center Member of the
Associate Professor
organizing committee and presen-
ter, first Association of Theologi-
THE REV. DR . STORM SWAIN was promoted to the position of
Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Theology by action of
cal Schools joint CFO/Technology the LTSP Board of Trustees at its Spring 2011 meeting in April.
in Theological Education Group She remains Director of Anglican Studies at LTSP.
conference, Orlando, Florida, No-
vember 2011, co-presenter of ses-
Prof. Swain joined the LTSP faculty in July 2009 as an
Assistant Professor. A native of New Zealand, Dr. Swain earned
sions on Learning Management
Systems and Using Social Media in the Bachelor of Theology at the University of Otago, Dunedin,
Teaching and Learning. NZ in 1992; an STM in 1999, MPhil in 2004 and a PhD in
2009, all from Union Theological Seminary, New York.
DR. J. PAUL RAJASHEKAR Her accreditations include NZHCA Hospital Chaplain
Dean; Luther D. Reed Professor, 1995; NZACPE Supervisor in Training 1994, Provisional Su-
Systematic Theology December
pervisor 1996, Certified ANZACPE Full Supervisor, 2000. She
2010: led a four part series on
“The Coming of Jesus in the earned a Certificate Theory of Psychotherapy, Ashburn Hall Re-
Gospels” at Upper Dublin search and Education Foundation, Dunedin NZ in, 1996, and a
Lutheran Church, Ambler, Penn- Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Psychotherapy, Graduate Cer-
sylvania. January/February 2011: tificate in Psychoanalysis, Blanton Peale Graduate Institute, 2004.
led LTSP’s global travel seminar to Dr. Swain completed her PhD in the Psychiatry and Religion
Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thai- program at Union Theological Seminary in New York, with her
land. Keynote speaker at the Sixth
dissertation topic “Trinity, Trauma, and Transformation: A
Asian Lutheran International
Conference in Pattaya, Thailand, Trinitarian Pastoral Theology reflected in the experience of the
Chaplains at the 9/11 Temporary Mortuary at Ground Zero,”
on the theme, “Reading the Bible
in Asian Contexts”; April 2011: under Dr. Ann Ulanov.
led a three part Lenten series on Canonically resident in the Episcopal Diocese of New York,
the theme “Cross and the Human Dr. Swain most recently served the church as Canon Pastor at
Rights” at Upper Dublin Lutheran the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York (2002-7). She
Church in Ambler, Pennsylvania. has served as the Diocese’s representative on the Board of New
York Disaster Interfaith Services. She now oversees Anglican
Studies at LTSP in addition to her Pastoral Care and Theology
academic responsibilities.
continued on next page
www.Ltsp.edu 23
NEWS✛NOTES
FACULTY/STAFF ACTIVITIES
DR. WAYNE E. CROFT, SR.
Jeremiah A. Wright, Sr. Associate
Professor of Homiletics and Litur-
gics in African American Studies
November 2010: served as guest
lecturer at the How Shall They
Hear Without A Preacher confer-
ence in Morristown, New Jersey,
lecture was “Hope and Restora-
tion: Necessary Elements for
Prophetic Preaching”; January
2011: guest preacher for The Mar-
tin Luther King, Jr. Day at Prince-
ton Theological Seminary in
Princeton, New Jersey; guest
preacher at St. Paul’s Baptist Church
in West Chester, Pennsylvania for
Erik Heen bestowed the the 124th Church Anniversary;
March 2011: guest preacher for
John H.P. Reumann Chair in the Baptist Ministers Conference
of Philadelphia and Vicinity.
Biblical Studies
DR . ERIK HEEN, LTSP PROFESSOR OF NEW TESTAMENT
AND GREEK, was bestowed the John H.P. Reumann Chair in
Biblical Studies at a festive celebration event on April 5, 2011.
After presentation of the chair by LTSP President The Rev. Dr.
Philip D. Krey, Dr. Heen presented his first lecture as Reumann
Chair entitled “The Antikythera Mechanism, the Bible and the
Cross.” The Antikythera Mechanism is an ancient mechanical
computer designed to calculate astronomical positions. It was
recovered in 1900-01 from the bottom of the sea near the Greek
island of Antikythera. LTSP President Philip D. Krey presented
the chair to Heen. Before the chairing, LTSP Dean J. Paul Ra-
jashekar offered remarks on the Reumann Chair and Prof.
Reumann; other speakers included The Rev. Dr. Robert B. DR. WIL C.M. GAFNEY Associ-
Robinson, Anna Burkhalter Professor of Old Testament and He- ate Professor, Hebrew and Old
brew and senior member of the faculty, who paid tribute to Testament
Heen and to John Reumann; The Rev. Dr. John Richter, Board “Intoxicating Teaching as Trans-
chair at LTSP who shared anecdotes about Reumann and Heen, formational Pedagogy” Transform-
and The Rev. Dr. J. Jayakiran Sebastian, H. George Anderson ing Graduate Biblical Education:
Ethos and Discipline, Society of
Professor of Mission and Cultures, who offered the opening
Biblical Literature Global Perspec-
prayer. tive Series, eds., Elisabeth
Dr. Heen earned a BA from Harvard College, 1973; an MDiv Schüssler Fiorenza and Kent
from Harvard Divinity School, 1982; MTh from Luther Theo- Harold Richards, 2010; “Terroris-
logical Seminary, 1990; MPhil from Columbia University, 1993; tic Threats: A Woman-Prophet
and PhD from Columbia University, 1997. His dissertation, Takes on an Imperial Imposter in
“Saturnalicius Princeps: The Enthronement of Jesus in Early an Anti-Poverty Campaign, The
No‘adiah/Nehemiah Conflict,”
Christian Discourse” (UMI Microfilm Number 9728216),
Journal of Black Theology (Spring
continued on page 24 2011); on sabbatical writing A
22 PS ✛ SPRING 2011
Womanist Midrash: A (Re-) Intro-
duction to the Hebrew Scriptures
(Fortress Press); January 2011:
lectured for the Episcopal Club of
Philadelphia on “The Jewish Jesus
and Gentile Christians”; March
2011: lectured at McCormick
Theological Seminary for MLK
Heritage and History Lecture and
Community Bible Study, “The
Day the Sun Stood Still for
Sheerah the City-Builder,” led
bible study, “Begetting the Begats:
Gender and Genealogy”; April
2011: Scholar/Priest-in-Residence
at All Saints Episcopal Church in
Kapaa on the island of Kauai,
Hawaii (phase one); presented for
the Clergy Theological Day of
Study in the Diocese of Hawaii.
DR. DAVID D. GRAFTON
Associate Professor, Islamic
Studies and Christian-Muslim
Relations and Director of Gradu-
ate Studies PRESENTATIONS
January 2011: “Responding to the
American Media View of Islam,”
at the Lancaster Inter-Faith Peace
Witness program, Lancaster,
Pennsylvania; “America as a Multi-
Religious Country,” at St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church, Doylestown,
Pennsylvania; March 2011: “Reli-
gion and Identity in the Middle
East,” Theologian in Residence
Program at St. John’s Lutheran
Church, Phoenixville, Pennsylva-
nia; “The Youth Revolution in the
Arab Middle East,” University
Lutheran Church, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania; Interfaith Center
Alternative Spring Break Program,
“An overview of Christian-Muslim
Relations”; March/April 2011: “A
Muslim View of Good Friday,”
Lenten Book Study at Upper
Dublin Lutheran Church, Ambler,
Pennsylvania; PARTICIPATION
March 2011: LTSP International
Student Dinner at St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church, Glenside, Penn-
sylvania; PC-USA/Muslim Amer-
ican Society Dialogue; BOOK
www.Ltsp.edu
REVIEWS The Coptic Papacy in
Islamic Egypt 641-1517, Mark N.
Swanson (New York: The Ameri-
can University in Cairo Press,
2010): International Bulletin of
Missionary Research, 35, Issue 1
( Jan 2011); ARTICLES “The
Youth Revolution in Egypt and
the Church’s Response,” The Jour-
nal of Lutheran Ethics 11, no. 2
(March/April 2011) found at
Ltsp.edu/Grafton-egyptyouth.
DR. ERIK M. HEEN John H.P.
Reumann Professor of Biblical
Studies
January 2011: presented, “Hospi-
tality and the New Testament”
(three sessions), Bryn Mawr Pres-
byterian Church, Bryn Mawr,
Pennsylvania; presented, “The
New Testament Theology of Dia-
conia,” Diaconal Ministry Forma-
tion Event, the Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Gettys-
burg; presented, “The Gospel of
Matthew” (2 sessions), Trinity
Lutheran Church, Reading, Penn-
sylvania; February 2011: preached
and presented sermon on the
Eighth Sunday After the Epiphany,
Year A, adult forum, “Lutheran In-
terpretation of Scripture,” St. John’s
Evangelical Lutheran Church,
Ambler, Pennsylvania; presented,
“Lenten Texts (Year A of the Re-
vised Common Lectionary),”
Upper Montgomery Conference
of SEPA Synod, ELCA, Grace
Lutheran Church, Pottstown,
Pennsylvania; March 2011: pre-
sented “Hospitality and the Bible,”
four week adult forum, Upper
Dublin Lutheran Church, Ambler,
Pennsylvania.
DR. JOHN F. HOFFMEYER
Associate Professor, Systematic
Theology Auxiliary editor of the
Winter 2010 issue of Dialog on
the theme “Theology in a Con-
sumer Society:” article “Thinking
Theologically About Consumer
Society” in the Winter 2010 issue
PS ✛ SPRING 2011
of Dialog; two-week series on
“How Lutherans Read the Bible”
at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church,
Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania;
preached and taught Adult Forum
on “Shopping and Salvation” at St.
Luke Lutheran Church, Devon,
Pennsylvania; in-depth workshop
on “Abundant Living: Youth Min-
istry in a Consumer Society,” at
the Gathering in the East of the
ELCA Youth Ministry Network;
keynote speaker at 2011 retreat of
the Virginia Synod Lutheran Men
in Mission on the theme “Ambas-
sadors of Christ — Empowered by
Our Triune God.”
JOHN KAHLER, Director of
Storm Swain Promoted to
Communications/Manager of
the Media Center Member of the
Associate Professor
organizing committee and presen-
ter, first Association of Theologi-
THE REV. DR . STORM SWAIN was promoted to the position of
Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Theology by action of
cal Schools joint CFO/Technology the LTSP Board of Trustees at its Spring 2011 meeting in April.
in Theological Education Group She remains Director of Anglican Studies at LTSP.
conference, Orlando, Florida, No-
vember 2011, co-presenter of ses-
Prof. Swain joined the LTSP faculty in July 2009 as an
Assistant Professor. A native of New Zealand, Dr. Swain earned
sions on Learning Management
Systems and Using Social Media in the Bachelor of Theology at the University of Otago, Dunedin,
Teaching and Learning. NZ in 1992; an STM in 1999, MPhil in 2004 and a PhD in
2009, all from Union Theological Seminary, New York.
DR. J. PAUL RAJASHEKAR Her accreditations include NZHCA Hospital Chaplain
Dean; Luther D. Reed Professor, 1995; NZACPE Supervisor in Training 1994, Provisional Su-
Systematic Theology December
pervisor 1996, Certified ANZACPE Full Supervisor, 2000. She
2010: led a four part series on
“The Coming of Jesus in the earned a Certificate Theory of Psychotherapy, Ashburn Hall Re-
Gospels” at Upper Dublin search and Education Foundation, Dunedin NZ in, 1996, and a
Lutheran Church, Ambler, Penn- Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Psychotherapy, Graduate Cer-
sylvania. January/February 2011: tificate in Psychoanalysis, Blanton Peale Graduate Institute, 2004.
led LTSP’s global travel seminar to Dr. Swain completed her PhD in the Psychiatry and Religion
Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thai- program at Union Theological Seminary in New York, with her
land. Keynote speaker at the Sixth
dissertation topic “Trinity, Trauma, and Transformation: A
Asian Lutheran International
Conference in Pattaya, Thailand, Trinitarian Pastoral Theology reflected in the experience of the
Chaplains at the 9/11 Temporary Mortuary at Ground Zero,”
on the theme, “Reading the Bible
in Asian Contexts”; April 2011: under Dr. Ann Ulanov.
led a three part Lenten series on Canonically resident in the Episcopal Diocese of New York,
the theme “Cross and the Human Dr. Swain most recently served the church as Canon Pastor at
Rights” at Upper Dublin Lutheran the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York (2002-7). She
Church in Ambler, Pennsylvania. has served as the Diocese’s representative on the Board of New
York Disaster Interfaith Services. She now oversees Anglican
Studies at LTSP in addition to her Pastoral Care and Theology
academic responsibilities.
continued on next page
www.Ltsp.edu 23
 FACULTY/STAFF ACTIVITIES
DR. J. JAYAKIRAN SEBASTIAN
H. George Anderson Professor of
Mission and Cultures; Director,
Multicultural Mission Resource
Center PUBLICATIONS “Over-
coming Ignorance and Arrogance:
Public Theology in a Multicul-
tural Context,” in V.J. John, ed.,
Many Ways of Pluralism: Essays in
Honour of Kalarikkal Poulose
Aleaz (Delhi: ISPCK, 2010), pp.
320-329; “‘… not hurrying on to a
receding future, nor hankering
after an imagined past’: Edin-
burgh 1910, T.S. Eliot, Postcolo-
nial Missiology, and Our Mission
to God,” in Journal of Postcolonial
Theory and Theology, Volume 2,
Issue 1.4 (March 2011), pp. 1-22;
BOOK REVIEW The Truth, the
Way, the Life: Christian Commen-
tary on the Three Holy Mantras of
the Srivaisnava Hindus, Christian
Commentaries on Non-Christian
Sacred Texts, Francis X. Clooney
(Eerdmans, 2008), in Journal of
Ecumenical Studies, Vol. 45, No. 3
(Summer 2010), pp. 519-520;
ENGAGEMENTS December 2010:
presenter, Adult Forum at St.
Paul’s Lutheran Church, Telford,
Pennsylvania, on the theme: “Full-
ness of Life: Learning from a Vil-
lage Congregation in India”;
February 2011: faculty leader,
Project Connect, Annual Gather-
ing of Pre-Seminary Young Adults,
the Lutheran Theological Semi-
nary at Gettysburg, presentation
on “Blessed be the tie that binds
— a global and theological per-
spective on Christian commu-
nity”; March 2011: resource
person, “Troubling the Water,”
Theological Education with
Youth, Atonement Lutheran
Church, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania.
24 PS ✛ SPRING 2011
DR. TIMOTHY J. WENGERT
Ministerium of Pennsylvania
Professor, Reformation History
January 2011: led adult forum on
prayer at St. Matthew Lutheran
Church, Moorestown, New Jersey;
led retreat for New Jersey Synod
Diakonia; February 2011: led re-
treat on Large Catechism for
Lower Susquehanna Synod Pastors
at Camp Nawakwa, Pennsylvania;
preached and introduced the
Muhlenberg Exhibit at Christ the
King Lutheran Church, Houston,
Texas; March 2011: retreat with
NEPA Synod rostered leaders in
Skytop, Pennsylvania; led a session
at the Conference for Congrega-
tional Ministries for the New Jer-
sey Synod in Trenton, New Jersey;
April 2011: presented a paper at a
joint meeting of the North Ameri-
can Luther Academy and the Calvin
Studies Forum in Minneapolis,
Minnesota; May 2011: led an
adult forum on Henry Melchior
Muhlenberg at St. David’s Lutheran
Church in Robesonia, Pennsylvania.
DR. KARYN L. WISEMAN
Assistant Professor of Homiletics
Interview with AARP Bulletin for
an article on “Baby Boomers and
the Church” (April 21, 2011);
preached at St. Paul Lutheran
Church, Ardmore, Pennsylvania,
for Lenten series, “Light in the
Darkness”; April 2011: book re-
view of Audrey Borschel’s Preach-
ing Prophetically When the News
Disturbs: Interpreting the Media in
Encounter, Rebecca Furnish, editor.
PASSAGES IN MEMORIAM
Erik Heen continued from page 22
investigated the motif of Jesus’ enthronement in the New Testament
Bishop Lee Miller Miriam Eileen Recker White, died
on April 14, 2011 in her home. She
was the wife of LTSP Emeritus Pro-
as well as the manner in which it critiqued the local imperial cults in fessor the Rev. Dr. Andrew J. (Jack)
LTSP ALUMNUS THE REV. DR . LEE M. MILLER White. They were married on May
the cities of the Ancient Greek East.
(MDiv ’63) died January 31, 2011 in East Syracuse, New 30, 1953, in Cleveland Heights, OH.
The John H.P. Reumann Chair in Biblical Studies was estab-
York at the age of 72. He served as Bishop of the Upstate She taught general science and
lished as a memorial for the late Rev. Dr. John H. P. Reumann, the
Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America chemistry for thirty years at Chest-
Ministerium of Pennsylvania Professor Emeritus of New Testament
from 1992 to 2002, during which time he was a member nut Hill Academy, a boys’ prep
and Greek at LTSP, who was known for encyclopedic knowledge of school in Philadelphia. She held the
of LTSP’s Board of Trustees. Bishop Miller was recog-
the Bible, and whose influence ranged from the seminary classroom Baird Chair, was made an honorary
nized with LTSP’s Distinguished Alumnus award in 2008. alumna of the Academy, and received
to national and international ecumenical and interfaith circles. Dr.
Prior to being elected bishop, Dr. Miller served from a fan appreciation award, the Corn-
Reumann died in 2008.
1976 to 1988 as Assistant to the Bishop of the Upper ing Pearson Award for Distinguished
New York Synod of the Lutheran Church in America, an Service, and several other recogni-
WEB EXTRA!
W tion awards.
ELCA predecessor church body, and was assistant to the
Always active in her churches, St.
bishop in the Upstate New York Synod from 1988 to
A recording of the ceremony and lecture along with photos and more Luke Lutheran in Chambersburg and
1992, as well as Mission Director on behalf of the ELCA. Reformation Lutheran, Philadelphia,
information can be found online at Ltsp.edu/ReumannChair.
He served as pastor at First English Lutheran Church, as teacher, leader and choir mem-
Lockport, New York, from 1971 to 1976 and assistant ber, she will be remembered as the
pastor at First Lutheran Church, Jamestown, New York, consummate team player in every
endeavor of life.
Bruce Davidson continued from page 20
from 1965 to 1971.
Miriam was active in the American
He served as a school board member in Jamestown and Lockport, convener of the Collegium of the
Chemical Society and was the first
by the Immigration and Refugee Department of Lutheran Social New York State Council of Churches. In addition to LTSP, he served on the boards of trustees of high-school teacher ever elected
Ministries of New Jersey in 2007. In 2009, he was one of five hon- Lutheran Social Services of Upstate New York in Jamestown and Augsburg Fortress Publishing House, chair of the large Philadelphia Section
orees at the 20th anniversary banquet of the Housing and Commu- Minneapolis, Minnesota. of ACS. In 1987, she was one of
nity Development Network of New Jersey. In 1995 he was named a four teachers in the United States to
His successor as bishop of the Upstate New York Synod, The Rev. Marie C. Jerge, told the Syracuse
be granted the prestigious Catalyst
Distinguished Alumnus of the Community College of Philadelphia, Post-Standard that Miller was known for being very playful. “His favorite thing to do on a vacation was Award by the Chemical Manufactur-
from which he received an AA degree in 1968. He also has been to go to Disney World and ride the rides. We would even have staff meetings and go play miniature ers’ Association.
honored for his HIV/AIDS ministry by the National Inter-Faith golf,” she said. She spent three months in the fall
AIDS Alliance.
In her prepared remarks, Jerge noted that “Pray First” became the synod’s slogan in the late 1990s, of 2002 as a volunteer at the Evan-
thanks to Miller. gelical Lutheran Church in America
Wittenberg Center in Germany. She
“Lee knew that spiritual growth and outreach could not happen apart from the work of God’s Holy also served as a recruiter for mis-
Spirit. He encouraged, cajoled, pushed, and modeled for us what it means to pray first instead of last,” sionaries for the Global Mission divi-
she said. sion of the church body. In her
He is survived by his wife Joan, to whom he was married more than 45 years, and their children: lifetime, she traveled in 45 countries
on six continents.
daughter Beth Ann and her husband Phillip McCollum, and grandchildren Amelia and Damon, and
Gifts may be directed to Lutheran
son The Rev. Lee M. Miller II and his wife Heather and grandson Griffin; his brother Frank Miller,
Home Care and Hospice or Chest-
aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and in-law relatives. nut Hill Academy in Philadelphia,
Services were Saturday, February 5, 2011, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, PA, where where Miriam has set up a special
The Rev. Lee M. Miller II is pastor. A second service was held on Sunday, February 13, 2011, at St. scholarship fund.
Stephen Lutheran Church, Syracuse, New York.
The family suggests memorials to Upstate New York Synod, Bishop Lee M. Miller; Equipping the The Rev. Dr. George W. Forell, DIP
Saints Fund, 110 Hinsdale Road, Camillus, NY, 13031; St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 873 Dewitt ’41, died April 29,2011.
Street, Syracuse, NY, 13203; or St. John’s Lutheran Church, 3101 Tyson Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19149. The Rev. Rollin G. Shaffer, BD ’42,
died November 23, 2010. Pastor
Shaffer, prior to his retirement, was
the Director of Lutheran World Ac-
tion within the USA National Com-
mittee of the Lutheran World
Federation. During his 33 years of
continued
www.Ltsp.edu PS ✛ SPRING 2011 www.Ltsp.edu 25
 FACULTY/STAFF ACTIVITIES
DR. J. JAYAKIRAN SEBASTIAN
H. George Anderson Professor of
Mission and Cultures; Director,
Multicultural Mission Resource
Center PUBLICATIONS “Over-
coming Ignorance and Arrogance:
Public Theology in a Multicul-
tural Context,” in V.J. John, ed.,
Many Ways of Pluralism: Essays in
Honour of Kalarikkal Poulose
Aleaz (Delhi: ISPCK, 2010), pp.
320-329; “‘… not hurrying on to a
receding future, nor hankering
after an imagined past’: Edin-
burgh 1910, T.S. Eliot, Postcolo-
nial Missiology, and Our Mission
to God,” in Journal of Postcolonial
Theory and Theology, Volume 2,
Issue 1.4 (March 2011), pp. 1-22;
BOOK REVIEW The Truth, the
Way, the Life: Christian Commen-
tary on the Three Holy Mantras of
the Srivaisnava Hindus, Christian
Commentaries on Non-Christian
Sacred Texts, Francis X. Clooney
(Eerdmans, 2008), in Journal of
Ecumenical Studies, Vol. 45, No. 3
(Summer 2010), pp. 519-520;
ENGAGEMENTS December 2010:
presenter, Adult Forum at St.
Paul’s Lutheran Church, Telford,
Pennsylvania, on the theme: “Full-
ness of Life: Learning from a Vil-
lage Congregation in India”;
February 2011: faculty leader,
Project Connect, Annual Gather-
ing of Pre-Seminary Young Adults,
the Lutheran Theological Semi-
nary at Gettysburg, presentation
on “Blessed be the tie that binds
— a global and theological per-
spective on Christian commu-
nity”; March 2011: resource
person, “Troubling the Water,”
Theological Education with
Youth, Atonement Lutheran
Church, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania.
24 PS ✛ SPRING 2011
DR. TIMOTHY J. WENGERT
Ministerium of Pennsylvania
Professor, Reformation History
January 2011: led adult forum on
prayer at St. Matthew Lutheran
Church, Moorestown, New Jersey;
led retreat for New Jersey Synod
Diakonia; February 2011: led re-
treat on Large Catechism for
Lower Susquehanna Synod Pastors
at Camp Nawakwa, Pennsylvania;
preached and introduced the
Muhlenberg Exhibit at Christ the
King Lutheran Church, Houston,
Texas; March 2011: retreat with
NEPA Synod rostered leaders in
Skytop, Pennsylvania; led a session
at the Conference for Congrega-
tional Ministries for the New Jer-
sey Synod in Trenton, New Jersey;
April 2011: presented a paper at a
joint meeting of the North Ameri-
can Luther Academy and the Calvin
Studies Forum in Minneapolis,
Minnesota; May 2011: led an
adult forum on Henry Melchior
Muhlenberg at St. David’s Lutheran
Church in Robesonia, Pennsylvania.
DR. KARYN L. WISEMAN
Assistant Professor of Homiletics
Interview with AARP Bulletin for
an article on “Baby Boomers and
the Church” (April 21, 2011);
preached at St. Paul Lutheran
Church, Ardmore, Pennsylvania,
for Lenten series, “Light in the
Darkness”; April 2011: book re-
view of Audrey Borschel’s Preach-
ing Prophetically When the News
Disturbs: Interpreting the Media in
Encounter, Rebecca Furnish, editor.
PASSAGES IN MEMORIAM
Erik Heen continued from page 22
investigated the motif of Jesus’ enthronement in the New Testament
Bishop Lee Miller Miriam Eileen Recker White, died
on April 14, 2011 in her home. She
was the wife of LTSP Emeritus Pro-
as well as the manner in which it critiqued the local imperial cults in fessor the Rev. Dr. Andrew J. (Jack)
LTSP ALUMNUS THE REV. DR . LEE M. MILLER White. They were married on May
the cities of the Ancient Greek East.
(MDiv ’63) died January 31, 2011 in East Syracuse, New 30, 1953, in Cleveland Heights, OH.
The John H.P. Reumann Chair in Biblical Studies was estab-
York at the age of 72. He served as Bishop of the Upstate She taught general science and
lished as a memorial for the late Rev. Dr. John H. P. Reumann, the
Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America chemistry for thirty years at Chest-
Ministerium of Pennsylvania Professor Emeritus of New Testament
from 1992 to 2002, during which time he was a member nut Hill Academy, a boys’ prep
and Greek at LTSP, who was known for encyclopedic knowledge of school in Philadelphia. She held the
of LTSP’s Board of Trustees. Bishop Miller was recog-
the Bible, and whose influence ranged from the seminary classroom Baird Chair, was made an honorary
nized with LTSP’s Distinguished Alumnus award in 2008. alumna of the Academy, and received
to national and international ecumenical and interfaith circles. Dr.
Prior to being elected bishop, Dr. Miller served from a fan appreciation award, the Corn-
Reumann died in 2008.
1976 to 1988 as Assistant to the Bishop of the Upper ing Pearson Award for Distinguished
New York Synod of the Lutheran Church in America, an Service, and several other recogni-
WEB EXTRA!
W tion awards.
ELCA predecessor church body, and was assistant to the
Always active in her churches, St.
bishop in the Upstate New York Synod from 1988 to
A recording of the ceremony and lecture along with photos and more Luke Lutheran in Chambersburg and
1992, as well as Mission Director on behalf of the ELCA. Reformation Lutheran, Philadelphia,
information can be found online at Ltsp.edu/ReumannChair.
He served as pastor at First English Lutheran Church, as teacher, leader and choir mem-
Lockport, New York, from 1971 to 1976 and assistant ber, she will be remembered as the
pastor at First Lutheran Church, Jamestown, New York, consummate team player in every
endeavor of life.
Bruce Davidson continued from page 20
from 1965 to 1971.
Miriam was active in the American
He served as a school board member in Jamestown and Lockport, convener of the Collegium of the
Chemical Society and was the first
by the Immigration and Refugee Department of Lutheran Social New York State Council of Churches. In addition to LTSP, he served on the boards of trustees of high-school teacher ever elected
Ministries of New Jersey in 2007. In 2009, he was one of five hon- Lutheran Social Services of Upstate New York in Jamestown and Augsburg Fortress Publishing House, chair of the large Philadelphia Section
orees at the 20th anniversary banquet of the Housing and Commu- Minneapolis, Minnesota. of ACS. In 1987, she was one of
nity Development Network of New Jersey. In 1995 he was named a four teachers in the United States to
His successor as bishop of the Upstate New York Synod, The Rev. Marie C. Jerge, told the Syracuse
be granted the prestigious Catalyst
Distinguished Alumnus of the Community College of Philadelphia, Post-Standard that Miller was known for being very playful. “His favorite thing to do on a vacation was Award by the Chemical Manufactur-
from which he received an AA degree in 1968. He also has been to go to Disney World and ride the rides. We would even have staff meetings and go play miniature ers’ Association.
honored for his HIV/AIDS ministry by the National Inter-Faith golf,” she said. She spent three months in the fall
AIDS Alliance.
In her prepared remarks, Jerge noted that “Pray First” became the synod’s slogan in the late 1990s, of 2002 as a volunteer at the Evan-
thanks to Miller. gelical Lutheran Church in America
Wittenberg Center in Germany. She
“Lee knew that spiritual growth and outreach could not happen apart from the work of God’s Holy also served as a recruiter for mis-
Spirit. He encouraged, cajoled, pushed, and modeled for us what it means to pray first instead of last,” sionaries for the Global Mission divi-
she said. sion of the church body. In her
He is survived by his wife Joan, to whom he was married more than 45 years, and their children: lifetime, she traveled in 45 countries
on six continents.
daughter Beth Ann and her husband Phillip McCollum, and grandchildren Amelia and Damon, and
Gifts may be directed to Lutheran
son The Rev. Lee M. Miller II and his wife Heather and grandson Griffin; his brother Frank Miller,
Home Care and Hospice or Chest-
aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and in-law relatives. nut Hill Academy in Philadelphia,
Services were Saturday, February 5, 2011, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, PA, where where Miriam has set up a special
The Rev. Lee M. Miller II is pastor. A second service was held on Sunday, February 13, 2011, at St. scholarship fund.
Stephen Lutheran Church, Syracuse, New York.
The family suggests memorials to Upstate New York Synod, Bishop Lee M. Miller; Equipping the The Rev. Dr. George W. Forell, DIP
Saints Fund, 110 Hinsdale Road, Camillus, NY, 13031; St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 873 Dewitt ’41, died April 29,2011.
Street, Syracuse, NY, 13203; or St. John’s Lutheran Church, 3101 Tyson Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19149. The Rev. Rollin G. Shaffer, BD ’42,
died November 23, 2010. Pastor
Shaffer, prior to his retirement, was
the Director of Lutheran World Ac-
tion within the USA National Com-
mittee of the Lutheran World
Federation. During his 33 years of
continued
www.Ltsp.edu PS ✛ SPRING 2011 www.Ltsp.edu 25

IN MEMORIAM
service he directed various offices of
the agency primarily in promoting its
overseas relief and development
programs. He made many overseas
trips visiting over 60 countries for
consultation and the development of
mission programs. He was an or-
dained Lutheran Minister for 70
years. In his early ministry, he was
the Pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran
Church in Manasquan, NJ, and Grace
Lutheran Church in Shamokin, PA.
Pastor Shaffer served on commit-
tees of the World Council of
Churches and the National Council
of Churches. He was a former Chair-
man of the National Council of
Churches “One Great Hour of Shar-
ing,” the annual overseas aid appeal
of Protestant and Orthodox
churches through Church World
Service.
He was a native of Williamsport, PA,
and graduated Summa Cum Laude
and Valedictorian from Muhlenberg
College in 1937. He earned his MA
from Syracuse University where he
met his wife of 70 years, Ethel. He
also earned a BD from LTSP.
Pastor Shaffer lived for nearly 40
years in Nutley, NJ, and for the past
22 years in Venice, FL, at the Village
on The Isle retirement community
where he was an active member of
Emmanuel Lutheran Church and in
the community.
He is survived by his wife, Ethel,
two sisters, his son Gregory and his
wife, one granddaughter, two great
grandchildren, and numerous nieces
and nephews.
The Rev. Arnold P. Spohn, BD ’42,
died January 2, 2011. Pastor Spohn
had a twenty-four year career of
service in the Navy as chaplain with
tours of duty in Europe, the Middle
East, the Persian Gulf, India, and
Africa, and participated in the last
two battles of World War II (Iwo
Jima and Okinawa), ministering to
war crimes prisoners on Guam at
the end of the war. He served as
chaplain with the US Marines serv-
ing on the front lines of the Korean
War through the winters of 1951
and 1952, and served during the
cold war with Russia during the
26 PS ✛ SPRING 2011
around
✛ADMISSIONS
Muhlenberg College and The Lutheran
Cuban Missile Crisis. After retire- Theological Seminary at Philadelphia: AS WE CELEBRATE THE 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF MUHLEN- The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia will be the
ment from the military, Chaplain
Spohn served at the Philadelphia
Reasserting the Relationship BERG’S BIRTH, we celebrate our historic and renewed partnership beneficiaries of an outstanding education and the inheritors of a
State Hospital for a decade. with Muhlenberg College. For many years, the majority of the stu- theological and civic tradition that will help them discover a zeal
The relationship between Muhlenberg College and The Lutheran dent body at LTSP was comprised of “Muhlenberg men,” reflecting for innovative church leadership in challenging times. The oppor-
The Rev. Dr. Franklin L. Jensen,
BD ’43, died February 15, 2011. Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) did not begin with the deep connection between the two institutions forged by Henry tunity to study at two world-class institutions and to be further
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, but is a testament to his motto “Ec-
The Rev. Walter P. Fetterly, BD ’45, Melchior Muhlenberg. Today, we count several Muhlenberg men supported by the church’s resources is indeed a worthy tribute to
died on February 21, 2011. During clesia Plantanda” (planting the church). The college and seminary and women among the ranks of those preparing for public leader- Henry Melchior Muhlenberg and the Lutheran tradition in today’s
his ministry, he served as pastor of have been working together to plant churches and to plant leaders ship in the church and world. In celebration of this continuing world. We are delighted by this partnership and look forward to
Trinity Lutheran Church, Verone; for those churches for almost 150 years. partnership, the two institutions will sign a new agreement pledg- welcoming a new generation of leaders who will bear the faithful,
Scenery Hill Pastoral Charge,
Scenery Hill; St. Mark and St. Paul
Academic excellence in the Lutheran tradition is foremost at ing financial support, discernment resources, and a deep partner- creative, persistent spirit that is Muhlenberg’s legacy.
both schools, and Henry Melchior Muhlenberg plays a prominent ship that will form public leaders for the mission of the gospel in
Lutheran Churches, Scranton; and
— The Rev. Louise N. Johnson, Director of Admissions
Bethany, West Reading, all in Penn- role in their histories. Muhlenberg College was founded in 1848 the world. Students who matriculate at Muhlenberg College and
sylvania. He then served as interim and renamed in 1867 for this fine German immigrant, influential
pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in
Hamburg, PA from 1985 to 1994.
pastor, and beloved father. LTSP is the manifestation of the “semi-
nary in the great city” of Muhlenberg’s vision, and the statue of
The Rev. Richard H. Schaefer, BD
’54, died on April 29, 2011. Follow-
Muhlenberg greets all who enter the seminary’s campus.
ing his ordination, Pastor Schaefer The tie between the two schools goes beyond a shared historical
served the Niantic-Bechtelsville figure. For the past 147 years, they have shared alumni — more
Parish (1954-1958), New Tripoli than 1,060 LTSP students received their undergraduate degree
Parish (1958-1965), and Calvary, Lau-
reldale from 1965 until his retire-
from Muhlenberg College. With the Muhlenberg Tercentenary
year, there is renewed energy in the partnership as we work to-
ment in 1998. In retirement he was
the interim pastor of numerous gether to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Henry
churches and oversaw the synod's Melchior Muhlenberg.
farm ministry program.
Muhlenberg College has already hosted the traveling exhibit
The Rev. A. George Guba, BD ’55, from the Francke Foundations in Halle, Germany. The exhibit out-
died March 1, 2011.
lines the work of the Foundations in forming the life of Muhlen-
The Rev. Edward L. O’Shea, BD ’56,
berg, his life and travels in the colonies, and the work of his sons to
died October 30, 2010. His calls in-
cluded St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, carry on the family legacy. LTSP will host this exhibit in its
Summit Lawn, PA; Army Chaplain; Philadelphia debut September 6, 2011, as the seminary kicks off its
and Prince of Peace Lutheran part of the Tercentenary celebration, and at other times later in the
Church, Fernandina Beach, FL.
celebration year.
The Rev. Leslie E. Evans, MDiv ’82, As part of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA’s
died November 2, 2010 at Lower
Bucks Hospital in Bristol, PA. Evans
annual synod assembly in June 2011, being hosted at Muhlenberg
was born in Bethlehem, PA, at- College, LTSP Professor Jon Pahl will keynote the assembly theme
tended Shimer College, and was a of “Muhlenberg, Malls, and Mission.” There will also be the sign-
graduate of Temple University ing of an articulation agreement between Muhlenberg College and
School of Nursing. She became an
ordained Episcopal Priest in 1984.
LTSP to reassert the long-term partnership of training leaders for
public ministry.
The Rev. Frederick J. Bryant, Jr.,
MDiv, ’91, died April 15, 2011. Pas- Visit Ltsp.edu/Muhlenberg300 for more information.
tor Bryant was born in Philadelphia,
PA, and ordained at Trinity Lutheran
Church in Philadelphia on May 26,
1991. He served as pastor of Media-
tor Lutheran Church in Philadelphia,
June 1991 through December 1993,
before transferring to the New Jersey
Synod and accepting a call to serve
Trinity Lutheran Church in Jersey City.
www.Ltsp.edu PS ✛ SPRING 2011 www.Ltsp.edu 27

IN MEMORIAM
service he directed various offices of
the agency primarily in promoting its
overseas relief and development
programs. He made many overseas
trips visiting over 60 countries for
consultation and the development of
mission programs. He was an or-
dained Lutheran Minister for 70
years. In his early ministry, he was
the Pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran
Church in Manasquan, NJ, and Grace
Lutheran Church in Shamokin, PA.
Pastor Shaffer served on commit-
tees of the World Council of
Churches and the National Council
of Churches. He was a former Chair-
man of the National Council of
Churches “One Great Hour of Shar-
ing,” the annual overseas aid appeal
of Protestant and Orthodox
churches through Church World
Service.
He was a native of Williamsport, PA,
and graduated Summa Cum Laude
and Valedictorian from Muhlenberg
College in 1937. He earned his MA
from Syracuse University where he
met his wife of 70 years, Ethel. He
also earned a BD from LTSP.
Pastor Shaffer lived for nearly 40
years in Nutley, NJ, and for the past
22 years in Venice, FL, at the Village
on The Isle retirement community
where he was an active member of
Emmanuel Lutheran Church and in
the community.
He is survived by his wife, Ethel,
two sisters, his son Gregory and his
wife, one granddaughter, two great
grandchildren, and numerous nieces
and nephews.
The Rev. Arnold P. Spohn, BD ’42,
died January 2, 2011. Pastor Spohn
had a twenty-four year career of
service in the Navy as chaplain with
tours of duty in Europe, the Middle
East, the Persian Gulf, India, and
Africa, and participated in the last
two battles of World War II (Iwo
Jima and Okinawa), ministering to
war crimes prisoners on Guam at
the end of the war. He served as
chaplain with the US Marines serv-
ing on the front lines of the Korean
War through the winters of 1951
and 1952, and served during the
cold war with Russia during the
26 PS ✛ SPRING 2011
around
✛ADMISSIONS
Muhlenberg College and The Lutheran
Cuban Missile Crisis. After retire- Theological Seminary at Philadelphia: AS WE CELEBRATE THE 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF MUHLEN- The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia will be the
ment from the military, Chaplain
Spohn served at the Philadelphia
Reasserting the Relationship BERG’S BIRTH, we celebrate our historic and renewed partnership beneficiaries of an outstanding education and the inheritors of a
State Hospital for a decade. with Muhlenberg College. For many years, the majority of the stu- theological and civic tradition that will help them discover a zeal
The relationship between Muhlenberg College and The Lutheran dent body at LTSP was comprised of “Muhlenberg men,” reflecting for innovative church leadership in challenging times. The oppor-
The Rev. Dr. Franklin L. Jensen,
BD ’43, died February 15, 2011. Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP) did not begin with the deep connection between the two institutions forged by Henry tunity to study at two world-class institutions and to be further
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, but is a testament to his motto “Ec-
The Rev. Walter P. Fetterly, BD ’45, Melchior Muhlenberg. Today, we count several Muhlenberg men supported by the church’s resources is indeed a worthy tribute to
died on February 21, 2011. During clesia Plantanda” (planting the church). The college and seminary and women among the ranks of those preparing for public leader- Henry Melchior Muhlenberg and the Lutheran tradition in today’s
his ministry, he served as pastor of have been working together to plant churches and to plant leaders ship in the church and world. In celebration of this continuing world. We are delighted by this partnership and look forward to
Trinity Lutheran Church, Verone; for those churches for almost 150 years. partnership, the two institutions will sign a new agreement pledg- welcoming a new generation of leaders who will bear the faithful,
Scenery Hill Pastoral Charge,
Scenery Hill; St. Mark and St. Paul
Academic excellence in the Lutheran tradition is foremost at ing financial support, discernment resources, and a deep partner- creative, persistent spirit that is Muhlenberg’s legacy.
both schools, and Henry Melchior Muhlenberg plays a prominent ship that will form public leaders for the mission of the gospel in
Lutheran Churches, Scranton; and
— The Rev. Louise N. Johnson, Director of Admissions
Bethany, West Reading, all in Penn- role in their histories. Muhlenberg College was founded in 1848 the world. Students who matriculate at Muhlenberg College and
sylvania. He then served as interim and renamed in 1867 for this fine German immigrant, influential
pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in
Hamburg, PA from 1985 to 1994.
pastor, and beloved father. LTSP is the manifestation of the “semi-
nary in the great city” of Muhlenberg’s vision, and the statue of
The Rev. Richard H. Schaefer, BD
’54, died on April 29, 2011. Follow-
Muhlenberg greets all who enter the seminary’s campus.
ing his ordination, Pastor Schaefer The tie between the two schools goes beyond a shared historical
served the Niantic-Bechtelsville figure. For the past 147 years, they have shared alumni — more
Parish (1954-1958), New Tripoli than 1,060 LTSP students received their undergraduate degree
Parish (1958-1965), and Calvary, Lau-
reldale from 1965 until his retire-
from Muhlenberg College. With the Muhlenberg Tercentenary
year, there is renewed energy in the partnership as we work to-
ment in 1998. In retirement he was
the interim pastor of numerous gether to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Henry
churches and oversaw the synod's Melchior Muhlenberg.
farm ministry program.
Muhlenberg College has already hosted the traveling exhibit
The Rev. A. George Guba, BD ’55, from the Francke Foundations in Halle, Germany. The exhibit out-
died March 1, 2011.
lines the work of the Foundations in forming the life of Muhlen-
The Rev. Edward L. O’Shea, BD ’56,
berg, his life and travels in the colonies, and the work of his sons to
died October 30, 2010. His calls in-
cluded St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, carry on the family legacy. LTSP will host this exhibit in its
Summit Lawn, PA; Army Chaplain; Philadelphia debut September 6, 2011, as the seminary kicks off its
and Prince of Peace Lutheran part of the Tercentenary celebration, and at other times later in the
Church, Fernandina Beach, FL.
celebration year.
The Rev. Leslie E. Evans, MDiv ’82, As part of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA’s
died November 2, 2010 at Lower
Bucks Hospital in Bristol, PA. Evans
annual synod assembly in June 2011, being hosted at Muhlenberg
was born in Bethlehem, PA, at- College, LTSP Professor Jon Pahl will keynote the assembly theme
tended Shimer College, and was a of “Muhlenberg, Malls, and Mission.” There will also be the sign-
graduate of Temple University ing of an articulation agreement between Muhlenberg College and
School of Nursing. She became an
ordained Episcopal Priest in 1984.
LTSP to reassert the long-term partnership of training leaders for
public ministry.
The Rev. Frederick J. Bryant, Jr.,
MDiv, ’91, died April 15, 2011. Pas- Visit Ltsp.edu/Muhlenberg300 for more information.
tor Bryant was born in Philadelphia,
PA, and ordained at Trinity Lutheran
Church in Philadelphia on May 26,
1991. He served as pastor of Media-
tor Lutheran Church in Philadelphia,
June 1991 through December 1993,
before transferring to the New Jersey
Synod and accepting a call to serve
Trinity Lutheran Church in Jersey City.
www.Ltsp.edu PS ✛ SPRING 2011 www.Ltsp.edu 27
 from the

✛FOUNDATION
Seize the Opportunity to Continue Henry Melchior Muhlenberg’s
Legacy of Educating Leaders for the Church by Contributing to
The Muhlenberg Legacy Scholarship
THE NEED
Church leaders must be prepared for the challenges of leadership both in their congregations
and their communities. To recognize the contribution Muhlenberg made to theological edu-
cation, and on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of his birth, LTSP is working to estab-
lish and endow The Muhlenberg Legacy Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded
annually to an LTSP student who embodies the characteristics that defined Muhlenberg: a
commitment to academic excellence, strong leadership skills, and a distinct pioneering ap-
proach to ministry. ese qualities are intrinsic to the mission of LTSP as well as defining
characteristics of Muhlenberg, whose dedication to language and study made him the in-
novative leader we celebrate today. Preference will be given to the candidate who is a
daughter/son of a “Muhlenberg congregation” and/or a graduate of Muhlenberg College.

THE FUTURE
Muhlenberg arrived in America committed to the idea of planting the church, “ecclesia
plantanda,” and providing those churches with educated leaders to help them grow, oen
replacing uneducated, self appointed “pastors” with formally trained clergy. Recognized for
its academic tradition, LTSP seeks to educate and form public leaders who are committed to
developing and nurturing individual believers and communities of faith for engagement in the
world.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

LTSP seeks to educate the next generations of leaders for the church, and we need your help. Make a
gi to endow The Muhlenberg Legacy Scholarship and continue in the tradition of Henry Melchior
Muhlenberg. Ensure that the Lutheran church will have leaders who have received the classroom and practical
training needed to serve.
Go to www.Ltsp.edu/muhlenberglegacy to donate online.

28 PS ✛ SPRING 2011 www.Ltsp.edu

 YOU are the LIVING LEGACY of
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg
A committee of LTSP faculty and staff first met four years ago with the intention of using the academic year 2011-
2012 as a celebratory year to mark the Tercentenary of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg. We hoped that through
special programs and events we could use the occasion as a lens to reflect on the heritage of Muhlenberg’s
leadership and legacy within the church, and to reinterpret it for the larger community and interested
audiences. What began as a modest undertaking among a few has grown to include a multitude of
people, congregations, and organizations working together on what promises to be a fabulous year.
In addition to those listed who are serving in leadership positions, we have partnered with 125
“Muhlenberg legacy churches” from Georgia to Canada representing Lutheran, Episcopalian,
United Church of Christ, and Union congregations who trace their roots to the figure of
Muhlenberg. We are involved with universities, museums, historical societies, and German
interest organizations throughout the United States and in Germany. This story of the
patriarch and pillar of Lutheranism in North America, this immigrant father, this influen-
tial historical figure is, in the end, our story. We are Muhlenberg’s living legacy. Without
your voice and involvement, the story will be incomplete. We invite you to join us during
the year in the events and programs being planned. We encourage you to learn about this
most important figure in the history of our country and our church.

Steering Committee
Natalie K. Hand, Director of Grants, LTSP, Chair

The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia

The Rev. Ellen Anderson, Director, Alumni and Church Relations
John Kahler, Director of Communications
The Rev. Dr. Karl Krueger, Director of Krauth Memorial Library;
Associate Professor, History of Christianity
Dr. Jon Pahl, Professor, History of Christianity in North America;
Director, MA Programs
Mary Redline, Consultant
The Rev. Dr. Timothy Wengert, Ministerium of Pennsylvania Professor,
Reformation History

Muhlenberg College
The Rev. Peter Bredlau, College Chaplain
Michael Bruckner, Vice President for Public Relations
Susan Clemens-Bruder, Lecturer in History
Diane Koch, Archives Librarian
Dr. Judith Ridner, Associate Professor of History

Congregation Committee
The Rev. Herbert H. Michel, Chair
The Rev. John A. Barichivich
Richard Buckmaster
Dr. Jean Godsall-Myers
The Rev. James C. Kniseley
The Rev. Martha Kriebel
The Rev. Vivian Roberts
The Rev. Carl D. Shankweiler
The Rev. Karl-John Stone
The Rev. John H. Van Haneghan
R. Leland Wesner, Jr.
7301 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19119-1794
www.Ltsp.edu

Muhlenberg Tercentenary
C A L E N DA R O F E V E N T S

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

MUHLENBERG 300 YEAR KICK OFF/OPENING DAY
Lecture and workshops open to the public!
Martin Marty lecture: “Henry Melchior Muhlenberg and the Current
American Church Scape”
Questions? Call The Rev. Ellen Anderson at 215.248.7301

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Congregation Day

Monday, November 7, 2011

Fall Forum

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Advent Vespers

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Women’s Day of Rest, Refreshment, and Renewal

Tuesday-Wednesday, May 1-2, 2012

Spring Convocation 2012

Monday-Friday, June 18-22, 2012

Lutherhostel

Visit Ltsp.edu/Muhlenberg300 for more information, and sign up for the

Muhlenberg 300 eNewsletter at Ltsp.edu/Muhlenberg300Signup.