Muhlenberg College - Ciarla Yearbook (Allentown, PA)

Page 17 text:

Historical Celebration of the Two Hundredth Anniversary of the Birth of Henry Melchoir Muhlenberg A NAME dear to Lutherans is that of Muhlenberg. That a College named after the man who was so large a factor in the founding of the Lutheran Church of America, should feel it a duty and a privilege to honor the name when- ever the occasion occurs, is surely most fitting. The supreme opportunity for such recognition of high merit in the event of the approach of the two hun- dredth anniversary of the birth of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, the famous Lutheran patriarch, was early seen and preparations were made for proper observances of the anniversary. The celebration on October 12, 1911, was an unqualified success most noted in every way, whether one considers the man whose memory was commemorated or the eminent personages who took prominent parts in the com- memoration. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg came to Philadelphia Nov. 25, 1 742, possessed with the best education that Germany could offer him, instilled with a profound knowledge of the Bible, and enthused with an unbounded enthusiasm. He was called to America by the “United Congregations of Pennsylvania,” to help reorganize and build a stronger Church, and use his influence in whatever way he could. A short time afterwards he changed his resi- dence to Trappe, where he was occupied for the rest of his life. His influence and work, however, covered a much wider range of territory. He gave to the Lutheran Church a model of constitution, parts of which she even uses to this day. He was the author of a work on Theology, entitled “Defence of Pietism”, published in 1741, and of the liturgy of 1748, together with a preface for the hymn book of 1 786. He gave many young men who wished to enter the ministry personal training, and formed plans and purchased land for a seminary as early as 1 749. This great man’s life was cut short Oct. 7, 1 787. Although he is dead, his works still live on, and is held in great esteem in the Church to-day. The exercises connected with the celebration of the anniversary of the birth of Muhlenberg were divided into two parts — the morning and afternoon exercises. Page Thirteen

Page 16 text:

HENRY MELCHIOR MUHLENBERG

Page 18 text:

The morning exercises were held in St. John’s Lutheran Church on South Fifth street, Allentown, at 10 o’clock. A 1 arge procession consisting of the speakers of the morning, the Faculty of Muhlenberg College, the representa- tives of the Universities and Colleges, the Alumni of the College, the visiting clergy, and the students of Muhlen- berg College and of the Allentown Preparatory School marched into the Church and took their seats on the rostrum and in the front of the Church, which was well filled with friends who had assembled to celebrate the birth of the illustrious patriarch. The hymn, “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty,’’ was then sung. Dr. Haas, who presided over the morning exercises, introduced Rev. H. Branson Richards, a grandson thrice removed from Muhlenberg, who offered a fervent prayer. Prof. H. E. Jacobs, D.D., LL.D., D.S.T., then spoke in a pleasing man- ner upon “Muhlenberg’s Ideals”. He discussed at length some of the influences which tended to mold Muhlenberg’s character, before he came to America, and brought out the import- ance of the wonderful work he wrought here in practically establishing the Lutheran Church of America and instilling into the Pennsylvania Germans the desire for religious knowledge. Then followed the brief, but most cordial greetings from the Mimsterium of Pennsylvania by its President, Prof. E. T. Horn, D.D., LL.D., of the Faculty of the Mt. Airy Theological Seminary. Following these greetings a solo, much enjoyed by the audience, and entitled “Praise the Lord,” was rendered by Mrs. E. S. Sieger. Dr. Wm. F. Muhlenberg, of Reading, next brought the greetings from the Muhlenberg family. Doctor Muhlen- berg is the oldest living descendant of Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, the first President of Muhlenberg College, and he is also a member of the graduating class of 1 868. In giving the greetings of the family he assured us that he took what he considered justifiable pride in the honor of being a direct descendent of this great man. He de- preciated an attempt to shine by the lustre of his illustrious ancestors, but emphasized the value of a great ancestry as a model for imitation in the practice of virtues, exemplified in the character of such a man as the assemblage had met to honor. Then followed the greetings from the Pennsylva- nia German Society by Dr. H. M. M. Richards, who is a grandson twice removed of the patriarch. Dr. Richards paid a glowing tribute to the Pennsylvania Germans, who, besides being staunch defenders of the faith of Christ, were Page Fourteen