Muhlenberg College - Ciarla Yearbook (Allentown, PA)

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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

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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

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also among the first to defend the rights of the Colonies in the Revolutionary War and their own rights in the Civil War. Hymn 629, “Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us,” was sung by the audience, after which Dr. E. T. Horn pronounced the benediction. During the noon hour, guests and friends were cared for by the College at the Hotel Allen. The afternoon exercises beginning at two o’clock were held on the college campus, where a large tent with a platform at one end had been erected. There were about fifteen hundred people under the canvass, forming an audience of a rare nature. The students, directed by our song leader, Mr. Katz, and cheer leader, Mr. Frederick, and accompanied by the Allentown Band (which Dr. Ettinger claimed tried to outshine him), furnished music throughout the program and greatly added to the interest of the occasion. The afternoon exercises were opened by prayer by Rev. H. Douglas Spaeth of Selins- grove. The first speaker of the afternoon was our honored President, Dr. J. A. W. Haas, D.D. He spoke at some length on the importance of the smaller colleges of to-day, and claimed that they, as well as the larger institutions had an important part to play in the edu- cational world. He said that the smaller colleges are by no means deteriorating or diminishing, but that, on the contrary, having an importance which is being felt more and more, they are being looked upon as the best molders of character in Christian men. Among other things, he outlined the aims which he sets for the Muhlenberg man. His earnest eloquence moved the hearts of many, and his clear statements opened the eyes of not a few. As always his re- marks were enjoyed by all. After the students showed their Muhlenberg spirit in a spirited song Dr. Ettinger in his well known humorous style introduced the representatives of the various universities and colleges. Prof. Warren P. Laird, who brought us the greetings from the University of Pennsylvania assured us of the hearty co-operation of his colleagues with us in the celebration of so great a man. The Dean of Dickinson College, James H. Morgan, brought us the compliments of his college; this was followed by the greetings from Franklin and Marshall by Prof. H. M. J. Klein, who is “half Muhlenberg and half F. M.” He gave us the most cordial tribute from a college whose relations are somewhat closer than any of the others, because Henry Melchior Muhlenberg was one of the founders of Franklin Col- lege. Prof. Klein read to us extracts from Muhlenberg’s diary, which was very interesting. President W. G. Granville of Pennsylvania College brought us our heartfelt greetings from “Our Mother,” as he termed Gettysburg. The following tributes or remembrances of the Page Fifteen