Schwenkfeldian. Fall 2017 THE. Finding the path our ancestors walked is not always easy but the rewards of the journey make the effort worthwhile.

Transcription

1 Schwenkfeldian THE Fall 2017 Finding the path our ancestors walked is not always easy but the rewards of the journey make the effort worthwhile. Jayne McGarvey

2 Schwenkfeldian THE Fall 2017 Issue Volume 117 Number 3 Editor s Note You may notice that we ve made some changes to freshen up the look of our magazine and make it easier to read. Do you have suggestions? Feel free to contact us anytime at info@schwenkfelder.com. Editor: Gerald A. Heebner Business Manager: Joanne Jalowy Design: PrintWorks & Co., Inc. Artist: Frank Batson Photographer: Lee Schultz Reporters: Linda Schmidt, Central Charlotte Winslow, Missonary Karl Nyce, Olivet Gail Ferry, Palm Sara Borr, In Retrospect Frances Witte, Notes Publication Committee Vacant, Chair Jean S. Ross, Secretary Publication Office Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center 105 Seminary Street Pennsburg, PA THE SCHWENKFELDIAN is published during the Winter, Spring, and Fall quarters by the General Conference of the Schewenkfelder Church, under the direction of the Publication Committee, in the interest of the churches. Material presented in this magazine does not necessarily represent the beliefs and teachings of Caspar Schwenckfeld or the Schwenkfelder Church. If you move, please advise us promptly, giving both your old and new addresses to ensure uninterrupted delivery. To discontinue mailings, info@ schwenkfelder.com or call $12.00 per year, $5.00 per copy. Free to each Schwenkfelder Church member household. In this issue of The Schwenkfeldian 3 Heritage Trip A large group travels to Poland and Germany experiencing the sights seen by Schwenkfelder emigrants. 10 Pottery Article Treasures from the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center ennsylvania in 2018? Spring General Conference 2017 Reports from Spring General Conference 16 Church News See what s been happening in the Central, Olivet and Palm Church Communities. 18 Personal Notes Births, Baptisms, Marriages, and Deaths from Central, Olivet and Palm 19 Community Connections In Retrospect Looking back at the accomplishments of our members through the years. ABOUT OUR COVER [All Left to Right]: Front row kneeling & standing: Mike McBrien, Jim Wiegner, Kathy Misner, Diane Rhodes, Noah Skrocki, Xavier Szumilas Center row standing: Konrad Zaprucki, Emily Stengle, Becky McBrien, Jean Ross, Barry and Norma Slemmer, Shane Harris, Sara Borr, Carol Clemens, Rachel Osborn, Karen Schultz, Joanne Luz, Claudia Skrocki, Bozena Szumilas, Robert Skrocki Back row standing: Elke and Bernhard Hauptmann, Paul Wiegner, Christopher Ross, Frank Davidowski, Luanne and Jeff Stauffer, Lauren Schultz, Becky Davidowski, Kasey Schultz, Kevin Schultz, David Luz, Kevin Kronberg, Joyce Brennan, Nicholas Butterfield, David Misner Asst. tour leader Allen Viehmeyer not shown in photo. 2 The Schwenkfeldian Fall 2017

3 Schwenkfelder Heritage Tour 2017 by David Luz, Executive Director, Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center Photos by Dave and Joanne Luz, Allen Viehmeyer and Jim Wiegner After an uneventful flight from Newark airport through Munich, the Schwenkfelder Heritage Tour members arrived in Wrocław, Poland just after noontime on Wednesday, June 21 for a seventeen day off-thebeaten-path tour through Poland and Germany. Our young guide for our stay in Poland, Konrad Zaprucki, and our tour-bus driver, Udo Pagels, met us at the airport. The afternoon guided walking tour through the old town section of Wrocław surprised the group with the abundance of people, shopping opportunities, restaurants and all around lively and active city scene. Buildings were nicely preserved, streets were limited to pedestrians and the city felt like an alive and exciting place to be. The travelers had fun spotting the myriad bronze dwarves, the mascots of the city, which seemed to pop up just about everywhere. The evening concluded with a delicious meal of traditional Polish soup and pierogis, along with fresh vegetables 3 The Schwenkfeldian Fall 2017 Ksiaz Castle, Walbrzych, Poland and bread all served in plentiful portions. Konrad s parents Józef and Julita Zaprucki joined us for supper. On the bus and ready to go for our 8:00 am departure on Thursday, June 22, having our packed lunches with us, and having enjoyed a wonderful breakfast buffet (typical of our breakfasts in Poland and Germany) with an abundance of sliced meats, cheeses, breads, pastries, salads, cereals, yogurts and more, we said goodbye to Wrocław driving south out of the city. The first stop of the day was the small city of Kłodzko (Glatz*) [* former German names for cities in parentheses] where Schwenkfelders found refuge from persecution at the end of the 16th century, but soon fled again to Lower Silesia by the middle of the 17th century. Walking along cobbled streets, we found a quiet downtown with few tourists, but local residents busy with everyday activities. Our afternoon stop was the impressive Ksiaz Castle where a nearly 30 minute dramatic walking approach to the castle Winter 2017 The Schwenkfeldian 3

4 awaited. Our guided tour took us throughout the once-grand floors of the castle that now featured a modest collection of paintings and period furnishings. A bonus: it was used for a wedding complete with horses and carriage while we were there. The nearby caves built by the Nazi government during the Second World War provided some mysterious exploration. Our overnight accommodations at the Krzyżowa Conference Center, a restored and renovated palace complex, included a buffet supper in the re-purposed stables and a most interesting tour of the grounds. The Conference Center, once a center for secret Nazi opposition, now hosts youth from a variety of countries for increasing dialogue and understanding among cultures. Beginning Friday, June 23, the Unesco World Heritage-listed Peace Church in Świdnica (Schweidnitz) was only a short 20 minute drive from the small village of Krzyżowa (Kreissau). It amazed the group with the beautiful wooden construction both outside and inside. The tall pulpit, the expansive and decorative altar and the splendor of the box for the wealthy patron family was especially dazzling, being surrounded by the decorative simplicity of construction. A hearty lunch was enjoyed in their air-conditioned stables of Pałac Łomnica - the Old Stables Restaurant - following an opportunity for shopping or exploring the palace grounds outside Jelenia Gora (Hirschberg). Swidnica Peace Church The short ride on the bus after lunch brought us to the campus of the Karkonosze College where our good friend Józef Zaprucki presented a conference on Schwenkfelders and Zillertals with several speakers. Our own Allen Viehmeyer presented a paper as did another good friend, Margrit Kempgen from Görlitz. Refreshments concluded the afternoon after which the group enjoyed a tour through the old-town center of Jelenia Gora. That evening, at the Gerhart Hauptmann House Museum, the group climbed a small hill to an accommodating hostel for the night following a delightful concert of Tyrolean folk music played on a harp in the acoustically lively entry room of the museum. A light supper and brief tour of the house concluded the day. Saturday, June 24, began at the nearby Huta Julia Glass Center. Claudia Skrocki, who was our guide in Poland in 2014, met us there. Much delightful shopping, at such great prices, was enjoyed along with a tour of the factory glass blowers and glass decorators in action. 12:30 pm found the group in the Tivoli Restaurant in Legnica (Liegnitz) getting ready to enjoy a delicious hearty lunch. The walking tour of Legnica started at the restaurant and ended at the Palace, at the portal through which Caspar Schwenckfeld may have walked in the early 1500s. On this tour, we not only were in the Palace Church where Schwenckfeld may have worshiped, we also climbed the tower of the church for a bird s eye view of Legnica! Interior of Swidnica Peace Church 4 The Schwenkfeldian Fall 2017

5 David Luz & Robert Skrocki at Viehweg pointing sign Later, as we arrived in Twardocice (Harpersdorf) to make our way to the Viehweg. We found a number of friends awaiting us: Robert, Sylwia and Noah Skrocki; Sylwia s mother Bożena; Sylwia s nephew Xavier along with new guests: Mateusz Stanek (writes a blog about Lower Silesia in Polish), and Berhard Hauptmann and his wife, Elke. Together we all walked the path to the Viehweg monument. Before we started, however, we were treated to a pleasant surprise. There was a new sign pointing the way to the Schwenkfelder monument the Viehweg monument. One of the elected officials in Twardocice, Alicja Gaweł (we met her the next day), arranged for this sign to be placed there. At the Viehweg monument, we had a devotional time: singing hymns, prayer and hearing the words of Dr. O.S. Kriebel from 1892 and Rev. Elmer E.S. Johnson from 1905 when they both visited the Viehweg for the first time. Bernhard Hauptmann also spoke (with Allen translating) about being a six year old boy in Harpersdorf during World War II when Russian soldiers forced him to carry ammunition near where we were standing. His story was very moving. Following the taking of many photographs at the monument, we adjourned to Robert and Sylwia s home in Twardocice for a picnic with their extended family. We had a wonderful time making new friends and enjoying delicious homemade food. That night we retired to the Palace Brunow for overnight accommodations. It is a beautiful and elegant restored palace and grounds that is a very popular venue for weddings. The small Catholic Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Twardocice, welcomed the group at mass on Sunday, June 25. The Priest greeted Refreshments at Twardocice School us with a few sentences of English he had learned for our attendance at Mass and even asked us to sing. We sang a stanza of Amazing Grace for the congregation during a time of prayer. The local elementary school opened its doors for us when the Mass was concluded and provided some home-baked goodies for us to enjoy. At the school we met our good friend Elzbieta Garlinska, the school principal, who introduced us to Alicja Gaweł (the elected official who had the Schwenkfelder monument sign placed) and a teacher, Matgorvata Stefanek, who spoke some English. Palace Brunow had made packed lunches for the group that were enjoyed at a picnic area at the base of the Spitzberg. Lunch was enjoyed in the company of several other local families enjoying the beautiful day with family picnics around a small fire. Below: Grodziec Castle Courtyard 5 The Schwenkfeldian Fall 2017 Fall 2017 The Schwenkfeldian 5

6 After lunch, the group, along with Robert Skrocki, several members of his family and other guests, then climbed the Spitzberg. What a stunning sight of the surrounding land we could see from the top! Once we had descended from the hill, Udo, the bus driver, drove us to the Grodziec Castle, perched on top of another hill. Most members of the group walked up to the castle from where the bus had to stop, but a few received rides from our friend Robert. After freely roaming the extensive grounds of the castle, we enjoyed a guided tour with Konrad and Claudia translating from the Polish. The tour was followed by a delicious dinner served in the great banquet hall of the castle. The meal was concluded with a traditional Polish dessert: flavored pork lard spread on a thick slice of bread. We left the Palace Brunow after checking out on Monday, June 26 and headed for Osiek (Ossig). In Osiek, we found our good friend Antonina Buchta waiting for us with the mayor of Osiek, Ryszard Kirsz. This was the first time we met him, and he was extremely happy to see us and made us feel very welcome. He and his assistant remained with us throughout our visit. While the priest was not available, Antonina was awaiting delivery of the key to let us into the church. She and the mayor walked us over to the former Schwenckfeld estate as the key would not be arriving for a few minutes. At the estate, we were pleasantly surprised to find some progress being made in the redevelopment of this site. The new owners, Piotr Borys and Igor Kruczek and their wives and families greeted us. They very eagerly spoke to us, in English, about their plans for developing the site. Already accomplished was a stables area that housed a number of horses and from where riding lessons were offered. A new indoor riding area was also shown, along with two rescued alpacas. They have plans for developing an animal rescue operation, as well as teaching children in Eco-lessons on site. The grounds are also being actively farmed. The old estate building, dating from the mid-1800s, was still in very bad shape, but they shared their vision of a hotel/ conference center they were planning 25 rooms in the estate house for guests and a separate outbuilding would be converted to classrooms for conferences. They hoped to have the hotel completed in two years. When they purchased the estate property, they were not aware of the Caspar Schwenckfeld connection. But once discovered, they named their development foundation after him: Fundacja FIKA Im. Kaspara Schwenkfelda. From their printed literature they gave us we read: The foundation s main mission is to educate and treat children and adolescents and to help rescue animals, to promote humanitarian attitudes toward animals and popularize horse riding among children. The secondary objective of the foundation is to restore the former glory of the Osiek farm with respect for the rich history of the estate, the history of the church of Kaspar Schwenkfeld and the beauty of the park-palace complex. We desire to unravel and promote everything that Osiek and Lubin inhabitants can be proud of. This is a very exciting time for Osiek and we are delighted to be able to see these wonderful things happening. At the Osiek church, we enjoyed visiting and seeing a very New altar-piece in Osiek church special improvement. Just two weeks before our visit, the congregation received a new altar-piece. After the war, the Polish state took altar-pieces from small churches like the church in Osiek. The Osiek church altarpiece is still in a museum. After many years of trying to get back their altar-piece, the congregation raised $300,000 to commission a new reproduction of the original altar-piece. It was delivered and dedicated two weeks prior and we enjoyed seeing it for the first time. After our lunch in Bolesławiec (Bunzlau), we toured a pottery factory and had opportunity for shopping. Our day concluded in Görlitz, Germany with a meal on the Landeskrone and overnighted at the Kreuzbergbaude Retreat Center nearby. We explored the ancient streets of Görlitz with our good friend Margrit Kempgen, on Tuesday, June 27. As we walked the ancient streets, there were times we were walking directly in our forefathers footsteps who had passed this way, through the old market, past the tall town hall on their way 6 The Schwenkfeldian Fall

7 to their final destination of Berthelsdorf. Margrit showed us the tomb of a wealthy merchant who helped the Schwenkfelders as well as showing us ancient faint drawings in a church, carefully preserved about a Schwenkfelder family of the 17th century living in Görlitz. She also took us to Körnigshain, a small village close to Görlitz with a magnificent palace and an ancient church. We concluded our time in Görlitz with a visit to the elected governor of the region. Our evening meal was a delicious BBQ dinner at the Kreuzbergbaude Retreat Center. Dr. Dietrich Meyer met us in Herrnhut Wednesday morning, June 28, and introduced us to this Moravian community. We walked over the small rise of the hill to Berthelsdorf and had our lunch inside the restored palace of Count Nicolas Ludwig von Zinzendorf. Following a tour of the palace, we walked to the Lutheran church of Berthelsdorf where our forefathers surely worshiped on occasion. We made a point of seeing and getting pictures with the monument placed by Schwenkfelders on pilgrimage in From the church we walked the long narrow street of Berthelsdorf to the other end of town where we found the Schwenkfelder houses of our ancestors built in the 1720s. Our first stop was the nearly completely restored Gemeindehaus. Those who had seen the building in 2010 could barely believe the improvements that have been accomplished. After a good look and many pictures by the house, we walked up the street a bit more to find another four documented Schwenkfelder houses. With a thunderstorm rapidly approaching, we quickly spotted the houses and then made our way back to the bus with most remaining dry. The great Lenten Cloth in Zittau, dating from 1472, which we visited Thursday, June 29, is illustrated with more than 90 scenes. In addition to this exhibit, we also saw the lesser Lenten Cloth which dates from After viewing these cloths, Margrit Kempgen again met us and gave us a tour of the city of Zittau, followed by a hearty lunch. The group arrived at Pirna in the late afternoon, along the Elbe River. It was from here that the Schwenkfelder ancestors found passage in barges along the Elbe to Hamburg as they made their way to Pennsylvania. The walking tour of Dresden on Friday, June 30, provided a fascinating introduction to a beautiful and amazing city. There are so many grand buildings to amaze the senses: the Zwinger with its huge open courtyard and imposing buildings filled with artwork, the Semper Opera, the beautifully restored Dresden Palace including the magnificent March of the Rulers in Meissen tiles. The most remarkable building with a powerful message to all is the Frauenkirche, one of the last of the central buildings to be restored, standing proud and splendid as a true beacon of hope and grace to all eyes which fall upon it. The group had several hours of free time to explore the city after a group lunch with friends Robert and Sylwia Skrocki, Wolfgang and Elizabeth Knörrlich, and their daughter Carda Prein. Wolfgang Knörrlich was born in Harpersdorf and is one of the many Germans expelled following World War II. His father, Siegfried Knörrlich wrote to the Schwenkfelders for help and this began a relief effort over many years with members of the Schwenkfelder churches sending numerous CARE packages to the Harpersdorf exiles. Schwenkfelder descendants, Barry & Norma Slemmer at Berthelsdorf monument The next morning, Saturday, July 1, the group boarded a paddle wheel steam boat in Dresden for a river cruise to Meissen in much greater comfort than our forebears, but on the same waterway that they traveled. A truly powerful experience is seeing the slow approach of Meissen a magnificent city on a hill seen in the distance as we meandered along the river toward our destination. Once there, the towering cathedral and glowing palace stir the imagination and take us back to days of chivalry. Upon arrival, the group had several hours to explore the city on a hill before heading off for Torgau. Gemeindehaus 7 The Schwenkfeldian Fall 2016 Fall 2017 The Schwenkfeldian 7

8 Torgau, where the Soviet and U.S. troops met toward the end of World War II, has a delightful palace dating from before the 1500s. Hartenfel s palace was especially glowing after years of restoration work in preparation for the 500th anniversary of the Protestant reformation. Intricately painted shields surround the grand spiral staircase the impossible staircase of this renaissance masterpiece of architecture and might. The group walked the old cobblestone streets of the town and enjoyed their supper in the castle café before heading off to Wittenberg for the night. The 500th anniversary celebration of the Reformation would not be complete without a visit to the place where it all started, and so the group experienced a tour of Wittenberg on Sunday, July 2, including seeing where Martin Luther lived and worked, the town church where he preached and the doors of the Castle Church where he hammered the 95 Theses which kick-started the Reformation. From Wittenberg, the group traveled to Quedlinburg and enjoyed a tour of this city filled with half-timbered houses dating from as early as the 1400s. The day ended in the town of Wolfenbüttel where the Schwenkfelders had the editorial offices of the Corpus Schwenkfeldianorum at the turn of the twentieth century. A tour of the old city of Wolfenbüttel with its cobblestone pedestrian streets and very large half-timbered buildings, Monday, July 3, was followed by a tour of the Herzog August Bibliothek with its extraordinary collection of rare books and Herzog August Bibliothek in Wolfenbüttel manuscripts. It was in this building that the Corpus workers copied manuscripts for many years. After a quick lunch on their own, the group headed back to the Elbe river city of Magdeburg where they toured the Cathedral and then explored the city. Along the waterfront, remnants of the old town still lie awaiting our exploration, just stirring the imagination as we considered our forebears passing by so close were they frightened, did they hide until the symbols of authority, both ecclesiastic and earthly, had passed? Or did they boldly stare down the grandeur, keeping their hearts beating steady for the simple life of freedom of faith they sought? The next day, Tuesday, July 4, the group followed the Elbe river to the small town of Tangermünde, the final stop on our tour in following the path of our forebears, experiencing the sights and sounds of the small but lovely community and in seeing the joining of the Elbe and Tanger rivers. We saw the 17th century homes lining the main street with the stately brick courthouse in the center of town complete with the storks nest, filled to overflowing with young, on an uppermost tower of the building. Either end of town was completed with large bright brick gates, once carefully guarding this small town and keeping it safe from roving strangers and the unknown. On the way to Berlin, the final stop on the tour, the group visited the overwhelming splendor of the palace of San Souci in Potsdam. 8 The Schwenkfeldian Fall

9 In Berlin the following day, Wednesday, July 5, a riding tour of the city included stops at the former Berlin wall and Checkpoint Charlie, among others. After traveling so far off the beaten path it was a shock to be in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the typical modern city, active and hurrying at all times of the day and night, a cosmopolitan community, where one could find anything one needed and cars and busses clogged the streets in busy attempts to see it all and experience everything there is to do! The final event for the group was a public transportation ride to the eastern outskirts of Berlin to visit the home of our very good friends Eckhard and Thekla Beneke, and their family, who treated us to a wonderful picnic supper. Dave, Thekla & Eckhard Beneke The next morning, Thursday, July 6, we headed to Tegel airport for our flight home. One last adventure lay waiting for us as we experienced a canceled flight (after we had gone through passport control and security and were awaiting boarding). After another overnight stay, as guests of United Airlines, with dinner and transportation to and from the hotel to the airport included, the group made their way home. Some members flew early Friday morning and the rest left Friday afternoon, July 7. The latter group flew across the Atlantic and home in a nearly empty jet! All kept up good spirits through our myriad problems. We reflected on how much easier the difficulties we were experiencing were for us, as for our ancestors who left everything behind and traveled for months on end into a new and unknown world the Pennsylvania we call home today. The Schwenkfelder Heritage Tour 2017 was our best tour yet with many familiar friends we have gotten to know over the years and a number of new acquaintances made along the way. We traveled off the beaten path where we saw few other tourists and stayed and ate where German and Polish travelers would stay. We met people in their homes from many different walks of life with locals giving us guided tours some with only minimal English language skills! The food we ate was topnotch and our bus driver was professional at all times and very accommodating. Please contact David Luz info@schwenkfelder.com or by calling if you are interested in receiving information about the next Schwenkfelder Heritage Tour as soon as it s available. 9 The Schwenkfeldian Fall 2016 A Personal Experience This was my second heritage trip in four years. Some people asked, why go again so soon after the last trip? I wanted to observe and learn what I missed the first time and see what has changed in the intervening years. Going to Twardocice (Harpersdorf) is just so special. This year there was an actual street sign pointing the way to the Schwenkfelder Monument. Walking to the Viehweg reminds me of the hardships our ancestors had to endure. At the Viehweg, we met Bernard Hauptman who placed a large bouquet of red and white carnations. Allen Viehmeyer translated Bernard s amazing story of his childhood in Harpersdorf during World War II. It was very emotional for him and all the rest of us. I had tears. Once again I enjoyed the church service at the Catholic chapel and the warm welcome from the people of Twardocice. They are very interested in us, as Schwenkfelders, and the history of our ancestors. There were many good changes when we got to Osiek (Ossig). The Manor House, in which Schwenckfeld lived, is going through extensive renovations. The new owners are young with great ideas and plans. They are renovating the Manor House into a 25-room hotel/ meeting place. They have restored the cow barn into a wonderful horse stable where volunteers educate children and adolescents to ride and care for an assortment of rescued animals. From Osiek we ventured to Herrnhut, the home of the Moravian Church. We walked to Berthelsdorf, visited the Lutheran Church with the Schwenkfelder monument and then went onto the Gemeindehaus. Along the way we passed several homes built by Schwenkfelders. This year Dave Luz had information on some of the homesteads. One happened to be a Weigner home. My grandmother, Viola Clemens, was a Weigner whose ancestors came across on the St. Andrew. Wow! What a feeling to see a home of my ancestors. There were several women waving to us from a deck that had been added to the house. Our guide, Margrit Kempgen, went up the hill and told them we were Schwenkfelders and that there were some Weigner descendants in the group. Margrit told Becky McBrien (my sister), Diane Rhodes (my cousin), and me that the women were so excited to know they saw descendants of the person who built and lived in their home. It was another emotional moment for me. The transformation of the Gemeindehaus in four years was absolutely amazing! It is beautiful. The inside is not complete but almost there, including inside plumbing. So many people of Berthelsdorf joined us and were not only happy to meet us but also enjoyed our excitement. Even the local historian joined us. Carol Clemens Fall 2017 The Schwenkfeldian 9

10 P An Endless Variety Pennsylvania Germans and Staffordshire Wares by Candace Perry ennsylvania Germans were enthusiastic consumers of tableware made at the potteries Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding towns in Staffordshire, England. Countless shipments of these colorful wares came through the port of Philadelphia and other locations and were sold throughout Pennsylvania from the late eighteenth century through the late nineteenth. Some patterns, such as the Gaudy Dutch group, were designed exclusively for the Pennsylvania German market. Some of the best known potteries were (and still are) Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Spode, and Minton, with many smaller potteries coming and going over the course of the last three centuries. Schwenkfelder families purchased all kinds of Staffordshire from the 1700s to the twentieth century, and were not averse to having what was popular or trendy at any given time. The Heritage Center has a large amount of these ceramics in its collection from Schwenkfelder and local families; one interesting side note is that the Center rarely received more than one or two pieces of any given pattern, because grandmother s china was frequently doled out to many members of a family. Below are descriptions of some of the most popular Staffordshire styles that can be found in the Heritage Center collection, accompanied by photographs of examples. Blue-Printed Ware In the late eighteenth century the potters in Staffordshire, England began to imprint their products with designs in underglaze blue and white specifically with an Asian influence for use both domestically and for export. The plate shown here (1), in a traditional Chinese pattern re-interpreted by the potter Joshua Heath, is an example of this printed ware from approximately 1780 to Blue printed plate, ca , made by Joshua Heath in Staffordshire, England. Mocha wares A Present for George mug: Child s Mug, with inscription in copper lustre A Present for George, ca Staffordshire, England. Mochaware is distinguished by the unusual polychrome seaweed or marbling and machine turned decoration that make it appear quite modern. Some objects classified as mochaware have plain bands of color instead of the wild abstract designs Bowl, unmarked, Mochaware, with polychrome variegated slip decoration, ca , Staffordshire, England. Miniature bowl (possibly part of a child s tea set), unmarked, Mochaware with seaweed design, ca ; Staffordshire, England. 10 Early in the 1800s possibly when the British began trading at the port of Mocha in Yemen on the Red Sea the highly decorative Staffordshire wares called mocha were given that unusual name. Apparently a form of moss agate called mukha was found near the port. By no means were these ceramics limited to only Pennsylvania Germans; examples can be found up and down the east coast of the United States. The Schwenkfeldian Fall 2017 Mocha Banded Ware, unmarked, ca , Staffordshire, England

11 Gaudy Dutch Collectively known as Gaudy Dutch, the group of patterns on glazed earthenware or pearlware were given this catchall name around 1920 for this cheerfully decorated tableware favored by the Pennsylvania Germans. The ware was made by potteries in Staffordshire, England, from approximately 1810 to 1840, exclusively for the American market. The decoration was intended to be an imitation of Japanese Imari porcelain Bowl, Gaudy Dutch, ca ; Staffordshire, England. Transferware Transferware was a later successor to blue-printed ware and was made in huge numbers at the Staffordshire potteries, much of it intended for export to the United States. Floral motifs were among the most favorite for transferware, and there were dozens of these patterns. Teapot, unmarked, transferware, ca. mid-19th century, Staffordshire, England. Spatterware Also made for the American market, spatterware is a group name assigned to the wide variety of designs and colors of tableware decorated by spattering the color onto the blank ware and then often adding a naïve drawing. Though originally manufactured from the early to mid-nineteenth century, the name spatterware cropped up in the 1930s, and was probably an invention of collectors and antiques dealers seeking to classify it. Pennsylvania German customers appear to have been the targeted consumers for the vibrant tableware. Flowers were popular motifs, along with peafowl, houses, and multicolor geometric designs. Cut-sponge Ware Cut-sponge ware was made by cutting sponges into shapes often flowers and using them to apply the underglaze decoration on tableware. It is related to spatterware, although dated a bit later, from the 1840s to the 1870s. Plate, unmarked, spatterware with peafowl decoration, ca ; Staffordshire, England. Painted Wares Tableware with painted decoration was made from the end of the eighteenth century, and can be dated and identified by use of certain colors. Wares that were decorated with cobalt blue are earlier, from the late eighteenth century to approximately 1830, while those decorated with bold reds, greens, and yellows date from about 1830 to 1860, when chrome colors, made with borax, were introduced. Bowl, unmarked, with copper lustre decoration, ca , Staffordshire, England. Sprig Molded Decoration Sprig molding was the process of applying low relief clay decoration to an unfired vessel. The effect was similar to the more expensive jasperware that was made by renowned Staffordshire potter Wedgwood beginning in the late eighteenth century, and is still made today. Sprig molded wares were made throughout the nineteenth century. Lusterware The luster in lusterware was the metallic silver, copper, and infrequently gold metallic glazes used to embellish Staffordshire wares from approximately 1815 to The variety of patterns that were painted or stenciled on these wares seems limitless. Bowl, unmarked, with copper lustre decoration, ca , Staffordshire, England. Fall 2017 The Schwenkfeldian 11

12 Advanced Living responds to sweeping changes In Medicare Funding and Managed Care by Wayne Pendleton, MSW, ACSW Are you aware of the sweeping changes coming to the Medicaid program in Pennsylvania in 2018? Pennsylvania s upcoming transition to Medicaid managed long-term care, set to start in the southeast region of the state in July of next year, will have an enormous impact on seniors and the vulnerable population Advanced Living Communities serve. It will be considerably less expensive to care for frail or infirm patients at home instead of in an institution. This will significantly increase the odds that our residents will not have the financial means to access skilled care in a nursing home. With an average income of $14,000 per year, our residents are very difficult to place in nursing homes under the very best of conditions. In-home care is a safe and cost-effective alternative to unnecessary extended hospital stays or unwanted placement in a skilled nursing or acute rehabilitation facility for many who are facing a chronic illness, recuperating from surgery or experiencing challenges in performing routine activities, says William Brown, President and CEO. Advanced Living Home Services (ALHS) was originally launched in May 2013 to exclusively support the non-medical homecare needs of the residents of the Advanced Living retirement communities in and around Lansdale, PA. This unique arrangement of providing in-home care in a setting that also offers affordable housing has positioned Advanced Living Communities as a leader in innovative models of low-income senior residential living. ALHS s overall strategy is also leaning into Pennsylvania s upcoming transition to Medicaid-managed long-term care. Under managed care, only the most innovative providers will survive and thrive. These new innovations will need to include leading-edge technology in the home care arena. This will allow these patients to age in place as opposed to moving to a higher level of care. Advanced Living resident, Pat Laugginger (R) with ALHS aide Strategy and technology are important, but the highest quality homecare always starts with the most skilled, committed, and engaged staff. ALHS continually invests in their staff with ongoing training and skillbuilding opportunities while actively soliciting input from them on how they can improve as an agency and local employer. With the approval of the Advanced Living Communities Board of Directors, plans are now actively underway for ALHS to expand its scope and footprint and begin serving seniors and persons with physical disabilities in their homes. Recognizing that waitlists for their properties are extensive and it can take as long as eight years to secure an apartment, the organization will reach out first to those waiting, as well as residents of the Lansdale area and North Penn community and eventually into other surrounding suburban counties. Additionally, ALHS is planning to expand its services to provide a full in-home array including home modifications and a personal emergency response system. The idea is to take our mission and success in the residential retirement setting and build it out into the larger community, broadening the continuum of services to help people remain independent and receive care where they want to receive it- in the home, says Brown. This planned expansion is also pushing ALHS to upgrade its technology capability, and the agency recently switched to a more advanced digital platform for client scheduling, care planning, and billing. The new system will help manage the agency s end-to-end business needs while reducing paperwork for caregiver staff and meeting ever-tightening state and federal compliance requirements. 12 The Schwenkfeldian Fall 2017

13 Moderator Drake Williams called the meeting to order at 3:09 PM at Central Schwenkfelder Church. Rev. David McKinley opened the meeting with a period of devotion. Drake Williams introduced the members of Executive Council. Drake Williams noted that there was not a quorum present. Drake Williams announced that he will call a special meeting at the time of the Salford Pilgrimage to ratify all actions taken at today s meeting. MINUTES The minutes of the Spring General Conference on May 23, 2016 are on pages 1-3 of the Annual Report. The minutes of the Special General Conference on July 30, 2016 are on page 4 of the Annual Report. The minutes of the Fall General Conference on October 16, 2016 are on page 5 of the Annual Report. The minutes were all accepted as presented. TREASURER S REPORT The 2016 Account Summary is on page 6 of the Annual Report. This is not the final report as there were changes made following the audit on April 29, There were no questions. BUDGET 2017 This report is on page 7 of the Annual Report. There were no questions. CHURCH STATISTICAL REPORT This report is on page 8 of the Annual Report. There were no questions. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL REPORT This report is on pages 9-11 of the Annual Report. Drake Williams discussed some of the concerns about Advanced Living, Inc. Drake Williams has spoken with Bill Brown and has a copy of their by-laws. Rev. Nick Pence described the history of Shepherd s Heart Church and its present status. There were no questions. COMMITTEE REPORTS AUDITING COMMITTEE A copy of the audit committee report was distributed to those present. All books are in order.. There were no questions. NOMINATING COMMITTEE This report is on page 12 of the Annual Report. There were no questions. PUBLICATION COMMITTEE This report is on page 13 of the Annual Report. There were no questions. Fall 2017 The Schwenkfeldian 13

14 GOVERNING BODIES General Conference Officers H. Drake Williams, Moderator Darlene Jones, Vice Moderator Leah Tyson, Secretary Joanne Jalowy, Treasurer Executive Council At Large Members Central: Ronald Allebach, Jack Bryant, Bruce Rothenberger, Barry Simpson Missionary: William Dill Olivet: Palm: Richard Hoffman, Lee Schultz Conference Pastor: Rev. Leslie Kearney Local Moderators & Pastors Central: Vernon Seipt, David McKinley, Brian Allen, Julian Scavetti Missionary: William Dill, Alfred Duncan Olivet: Tim Williams, Leslie Kearney Palm: Joanne Luz, Nicholas Pence, Exile Society David W. Luz, President Joshua A. Heebner, Vice President Rebecca C. McBrien, Recording Secretary Sara B. Borr, Membership Secretary Martin L. Kriebel, Treasurer Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center George Meschter, President Anne Goda, Vice President Kathy Lesieur, Secretary H. Drake Williams, Jr., Treasurer Board of Advanced Living Kenneth Clemens, President George Meschter, 1st Vice President Carl Sensenig, 2nd Vice President Sharon Jones-Hofer, Secretary Steve Woelkers, Treasurer Board of United Choirs Dennis Alderfer, President Vacant, Vice President Cheryl Walborn, Recording Secretary Marian Schurz, Corresponding Secretary Beth Croll, Treasurer CHURCH STATISTICAL REPORTS Membership (as of Dec. 31, 2016) CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL Central 1, Missionary Olivet Palm Church Budgets OPERATING MISSION GIVING Central $ 1,078, $ 222,576 Missionary $ 15, $ 300 Olivet $ 390, $ 6,214 Palm $ 342, $19,265 GENERAL CONFERENCE DATES Salford Pilgrimage... June 4, 2017 Gedächtnistag (Palm)... Sep. 24, 2017 School of Christ...Oct. 15, 2017 Spring Gen l Conf. (to be determined)... Spring 2018 GENERAL CONFERENCE ROLL CALL MAY 21, 2017 Central Schwenkfelder Missionary Schwenkfelder... 3 Olivet-Schwenkfelder... 5 Palm Schwenkfelder... 5 SPECIAL REPORTS ADVANCED LIVING INC. This report is on page 14 of the Annual Report. There were no questions. SCHWENKFELDER LIBRARY AND HERITAGE CENTER: This report is on page 15 of the Annual Report. There were no questions. CONFERENCE MINISTER S REPORT: This report is on page 16 of the Annual Report. There were no questions. SCHWENKFELDER CHURCHES: These reports are on pages of the Annual Report. Rev. David McKinley and Rev. Alfred Duncan described their search for quarters for Schwenkfelder Missionary Church. The immediate goal is to rent space and they are currently in negotiations to rent Aulenbach House, Christ Church and St. Michael s Episcopal Church in the Germantown section of Philadelphia for 3 hours on Sunday and 2 hours midweek. The long term goal is for the church to own its own building. Central s Hospitality House has been used for mission opportunities and ministry during the past year. Sermons recently addressed different aspects of the worship service. After 10 years of service, Associate Pastor Bill Kalajainen resigned effective April 3, Brandon Martin and Brianna Cray are now youth advisors for the youth groups at Central. Mission Church has key members, Pastor Alfred Duncan, Moderator William Dill, and Deacon Marcus Anderson who tend to the Brotherhood Mission and other church activities such as the Angel Tree Project. Olivet is very active in the Norristown community in both mission and benevolence fields. Rev. Jenny Smith was ordained during the past year. Palm was also active in community affairs by being the lead sponsor for Upper Perk Relay for Life. They had joint programs with UCC churches in the area along with the regular activities of the church. There were no questions.. PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES: This report is on page 30 of the Annual Report. Drake Williams introduced Sandra Strauss who addressed the meeting and described the work of Pa. Council of Churches. A question and answer period followed. Sandra Strauss said she will be available for future questions and discussion. UNITED SCHWENKFELDER CHOIR: This report is on page 31 of the Annual Report. There were no questions. 14 The Schwenkfeldian Fall 2017

15 VIEHWEG: This report is on page 32 of the Annual Report. There were no questions. Al Koehler volunteered that the monument seemed to be in good shape. DEDICATION OF MIGRANT WORKERS KITS Representatives Bill Walton and Lorraine Martinez addressed the meeting and offered thanks for the kits. Rev. Nick Pence offered the prayer of dedication. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business presented. NEW BUSINESS ELECTION OF OFFICERS Drake Williams announced that this meeting could not elect new officers as there was not a quorum. Barry Simpson suggested a pro forma election which would be made official at the Salford Pilgrimage. Trish Simpson so moved and Ken Clemens seconded the motion. The motion was passed. DISCUSSION-PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES Drake Williams opened the meeting to discussion. Rev. Nick Pence reported that the Ministerium has differing opinions on this issue. FIRST WORSHIP CENTER Al Koehler gave a brief history of this church. He reported that they appreciated the letter sent them by Drake Williams. They were unable to attend today s meeting because of a previously scheduled program. A brief discussion followed. SCHOOL OF CHRIST Bruce Rothenberger requested that anyone interested in serving on the committee to plan this event please contact him. CLOSING QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS Rev. Alfred Duncan closed the meeting with prayer and the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 PM. FINANCIAL REPORTS General Fund Balance Jan. 1, $243, Total Receipts...$113, Total Disbursements... $42, Balance Dec. 31, $315, Student Ministers Seminary Fund 2016 Balance Jan. 1, $ Receipts: Central... $3, Palm Olivet Transfer from Operating... 20, Interest Total Receipts... $24, Disbursements... $6, (Julian Scavetti) Total Disbursements:... $6, Balance Dec. 31, $17, Silesian Graveyard Fund Balance Jan. 1, $10, Receipts: Donation...$ Interest Total Receipts Total Disbursements: Balance Dec. 31, $10, Conference Mission Fund Balance Jan. 1, $1, Receipts: Central... $15, Olivet Palm...5, Donation Total Receipts:... $21, Disbursements: Schwenk. Mission Ch.... $10, Rev. Ed Winslow... $4, Budget Payment... $2, Total Disbursements... $16, Balance Dec. 31, $6, Charity Fund Balance Jan. 1, $4, Total Receipts:...$0.00 Total Disbursements:...$0.00 Balance Dec. 31, $4, Chestnut Hill Cemetery Fund Balance Jan. 1, $24, Receipts: Central... $3, Olivet Palm Contributions...3, Total Receipts:... $8, Disbursements: (Repairs)... $13, Total Disbursements:... $13, Balance Dec. 31, $19, Publication Fund Balance Jan. 1, $132, Receipts: Central... $11,250.0 Olivet Palm... 2, Sales Interest Total Receipts... $14, Disbursements: Print, Design, Postage...$12, Total Disbursements... $12, Balance Dec. 31, $134, The Schwenkfeldian Fall 2017 Winter Fall 2017 The Schwenkfeldian 15

16 Central Schwenkfelder 211 Valley Forge Rd., Lansdale, PA Worship: 9:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m. Church School: 10:00 a.m. Olivet-Schwenkfelder United Church of Christ 619 Township Line Rd., Norristown, PA Worship: 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. Church School: 9:00 a.m. Schwenkfelder Missionary 29 W. Tulpehocken St., Philadelphia, PA Worship: 10:45 a.m. Church School: 9:30 a.m. 16 The Schwenkfeldian Fall 2017 CENTRAL All-Church News: We were blessed with the donation of a new carillon from Schulmerich Carillons to replace the old system that was no longer functioning. It is programmed with hundreds of hymns and songs as well as with other options for us to enjoy. Vacation Bible School took place in June and involved children ages 3 to grade 5. The theme this year was Maker Fun Factory where kids learned that they were created by God and built for a purpose. All music, crafts and lessons focused on that theme. Thank you to all the volunteers and organizers who made this year s VBS a success. Memorial Day brought with it a special Patriotic Sunday recognition service in Fellowship Hall, which we all look forward to and appreciate, followed by an All Church Picnic. The Great Date Night was held on June 2nd at which time couples were invited to join in a relaxing evening that combined a coffeehouse, dessert fellowship and comedy club experience featuring Mark Cable, singer, songwriter. The annual Salford Pilgrimage was held on Sunday, June 5 at the Salford Meetinghouse. This service celebrates the history and lives of the Schwenkfelder pioneers buried in the adjoining cemetery. Following the service, an ice cream social took place. Youth News: Wired and Crave students raised money for hungry children in underdeveloped countries by holding a 30-Hour Famine. It started on the evening of April 28th with a sleepover. The next day the students went into the community to serve at various locations. The famine concluded that day With the end of AWANA for the summer, other activities began, including Ultimate Frisbee and summer Crave which met in the Central Community Center. Creation 2017 was a highlight of summer for our youth. Attendees enjoyed five nights of camping and amazing music and speakers. Summer Sylos (Swim Your Legs Off! Sing Your Lungs Out!!!) took place again this summer, hosted by Sally House. All students in grades 6 12 were welcome and encouraged to bring friends. Women s Christian Fellowship (WCF): The annual Mother/Daughter banquet was a huge success again this year. A fashion show by Family Heritage was the highlight of the evening and featured members from our congregation as models. Migrant Worker Kits were collected at the banquet and were sent to the Chester County Migrant Ministry. In June, WCF held their annual yard sale/bake sale. Despite the weather which was a bit cloudy, it was a good day and a great success. With September just around the corner, WCF has begun preparations for the annual Country Fair. The women have been working all summer to organize clothing, toys, books and attic treasures for this event. It takes many hands to make the fair a success and all support is greatly appreciated. OLIVET On April 29th, Olivet hosted our first Creation Art Show and Coffee House. Members and friends of Olivet- Schwenkfelder, Christ Church UCC and Reformed Church of the Ascension in Norristown put their talents on display

17 for all to enjoy. There were many beautiful works of art for all to enjoy both Saturday night and the following Sunday during our service. There are truly talented people at work in our churches. The 21st was also a very special day in the life of the church as we officially celebrated the 20th anniversary of the merger between Olivet UCC and the Norristown Schwenkfelder Church. There was a special luncheon sponsored by the Youth Serve, Christian Education and the Women s Fellowship following our 10:15 service. In April and May, our Mission and Benevolence team focused on collecting items like blankets and personal toiletries for the Chester County Migrant Ministry. The CCM offers warm clothing for migrant workers as well as personal care items. Our brand new Children s Choir debuted on June 11th during our 10:15 service. The kids practiced hard and did a wonderful job. Many thanks to Beth Williams for organizing the group. We celebrated the graduation of our Li l Angels to kindergarten on Wednesday, June 14th and ended another year of Sunday School on June 18th. Numerous church members provided much needed assistance that evening by sharing hosting duties or baking delicious desserts for the graduates and their families to enjoy. It was a wonderful evening. OSUCC wishes nothing but the best for our newest graduates. Church members and the Mission and Benevolence team helped contribute to the purchase of Children s Bibles for the graduates of our Li l Angels Pre-School. July brought the summer heat as well as a bit of change for our Sundays. Pastor Kearney returned with Bible Stories Seldom Heard, a sermon series that focused on those lesser-known stories from the Bible. We began back at the beginning with Adam and Eve. It s an enlightening and entertaining just what s needed to break up the summer doldrums. We also restarted our Garden Give n Take where members can bring in extra produce from their gardens to share with the congregation. The Women s Fellowship started up their Bakeless Cake Sale where you can send a check to 17 The Schwenkfeldian Fall 2017 help out the Women s Fellowship instead of overtaxing yourself in the heat of the summer. It s a wonderful and much appreciated alternative to sweating in the kitchen. Mission and Benevolence contributed coffee and small travel size personal care items for the Norristown Hospitality Center. On July 13th, we started a possible new tradition at Olivet, the All Church Picnic. We joined forces with Christ Church UCC and Reformed Church of the Ascension in Norristown and had a good old-fashioned cookout at the Norristown Farm Park. Everyone brought a covered dish, drinks or dessert to share with everyone else and enjoyed each other s company for the afternoon. Many thanks to all those who contributed or stood over the open flame to provide us with the delicious hamburgers and hot dogs we enjoyed. Here s hoping that the tradition continues next year. PALM Whether it is food for the body or food for the soul, food seems to serve as a medium to bring people together for times of sharing and celebration. In April, the youth, under the leadership of Barb Master, organized a Lenten food drive to support Open Link. Our confirmands, Jonas Kinsler, Margo May, Hans Muse, Nicholas Pence, and Selia Werth joined their mentors in a brown bag lunch and tour of the local meetinghouses. Later, on Pentecost, the confirmands had a covered dish breakfast as they spent time together preparing for the morning s service when they would become official members of Palm Church. The next week, the Men of Palm sponsored the annual Chicken BBQ. The next day, Palm celebrated Youth Sunday. Palm s young people brought music, smiles, and a warm message that was followed-up with a picnic. Another item on the menu during Lent was a weekly brown bag lunch with Sister Millicent Drake, a friend of Palm Church. She focused on Jesus Sermon on the Mount. For dessert, the Ladies Aid once again made delicious Easter candy which quickly made its way to members of the congregation! All of that food for the body provides energy to help Palm s members offer food for the soul. Palm Schwenkfelder P.O. Box 66, Palm, PA Worship: 10:15 a.m. Church School: 9:00 a.m. Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center 105 Seminary St., Pennsburg, PA Mon.: Closed Tues., Wed., Fri.: 9 4 Thurs.: 9 8 Sat.: 10 3 Sun.: 1 4 Schwenckfeld Manor Advanced Living Communities 1290 Allentown Rd. Lansdale, PA Office Hours: Mon. Fri. 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.

18 And what best accompanies food? Why, music of course! Music is also food for the soul. Palm ended the music season in May with its annual Music Sunday celebration. This year, our Senior Choir was blessed with the voices of many talented men so that our director, Ed Bieler, was able to form a Senior Men s Choir. As part of our 500th Reformation Anniversary observance with our local churches, Palm hosted an Ascension Day Celebration that included tethered hot air balloon rides, a rockclimbing wall, the Valley Choral Society, and a hymn sing. The youth offered a new program called Helping Hands, a youth ministry dedicated to any of our church family who may find themselves in need. Palm s mission board once again participated in an annual drive to collect basic necessities for migrant farm workers and their families who come to our area to harvest a variety of crops. In conjunction with that mission, the Ladies Aid sponsored a knotting party to help make blankets for the migrant ministry project. The organizers of Palm s Relay for Life ministry once again offered a variety of treats and successful fundraisers enabling Palm to become a Presenting Sponsor for the 2017 Upper Perk Relay for Life event. During early summer, Palm held a worship service at both the Washington Meetinghouse grounds and Hosensack Meetinghouse respectively. Because the Senior Choir takes time off during the summer, various members and friends shared their musical talents during the summer worship services both at Palm and at the Meetinghouses. Wrapping things up in July was Operation Arctic. This was the theme for Vacation Bible School. The Sunday School wing was converted into a chilly, yet inviting, wasteland of cold. It was a time of fun-filled worship, laughter, song, and yummy treats. Sharing these important life events with our Schwenkfelder family. BIRTHS COLVIN Paisley Mae, daughter of Daniel and Justine Colvin, July 10, (Central) HEEBNER Lucy Faith and Addison Ashley, twin daughters of Timothy and Megan Heebner, June 23, (Central) JAKOVAC Mara Lorraine, daughter of Ryan and Stephanie (Simpson) Jakovac, June 21, (Central) WATTERS Dylan and Stella, twin daughters of Dan and Amanda (Krupp) Watters, April 19, (Central) MARRIAGES BUCHER LANCASTER Owen C. Bucher to Jamie Lancaster on Saturday, May 20, 2017 in Pottstown, PA. (Central) DEATHS ANDERS Norris H., age 86, of Marlton, NJ, formerly of East Norriton, husband of Arlene (Dunigan) Anders, April 9, Services April 19, 2017; interment at Locustwood Memorial Park, Cherry Hill, NJ. DEX Frank, age 91, of Allentown, formerly of North Wales, PA, husband of the late Carolyn (Cappellino) Dex, June 23, Services were private; interment at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Allentown, PA. (Central) IRVINE James, IV, age 57, of Harleysville, husband of Joanne Lepping-Irvine, June 10, Services June 16, 2017; interment at Sunset Memorial Park, Feasterville, PA. (Central) KEHR Robert L., Sr., age 92, of Worcester, husband of Mildred (Wisner) Kehr, May 23, Graveside services were private at Garden of Memories in Worcester. (Central) KRATZ Robert L., age 83, of Hatfield, husband of Yvonne (Evans) Kratz, July 3, Services July 8, 2017; interment at Whitemarsh Memorial Park. (Central) KRAUSS Robert M., Sr., age 99, of Lansdale, formerly of Worcester, husband of the late Norma (Kriebel) Krauss, July 6, Memorial service September 23, 2017; graveside service private at Garden of Memories in Worcester. (Central) KUHNS Edmund K., age 85, of Frederick, formerly of East Greenville, husband of Grace (Long) Kuhns, January 9, Services January 14, 2017; interment at Palm Schwenkfelder Cemetery. (Palm) LENTZ Ruth E., age 101, of Worcester, formerly of Plymouth Township, PA, June 24, Services June 28, 2017; interment at Garden of Memories in Worcester. (Central) SCHLEGEL Franklin C., age 93, of Harleysville, formerly of Lansdale, husband of Helen (Goodman) Koch Schlegel and the late Evelyn Freed Schlegel, May 31, Services June 10, 2017; interment was private. (Lansdale) SCHMIDT John T., age 77, of Skippack, formerly of Harleysville, husband of Linda (Kalb) Schmidt, April 29, Services May 4; interment at George Washington Memorial Park. (Central) TUPPER Willard Carey, Jr., age 87, of West Norriton, formerly of Whitpain Township, May 7, Services May 12, 2017; interment at Limerick Garden of Memories. (Olivet) 18 The Schwenkfeldian Fall 2017 YOUNG Ethel Mae (Clifford), age 82, of Lansdale, formerly of Blue Bell, wife of Robert Karl Young, July 4, Services July 7, 2017; interment at George Washington Memorial Park. (Central)

19 With the lazy, hazy days of summer nearing their end and autumn arriving the Schwenkfelder Churches were abuzz with activities thru the years. 50 YEARS AGO (1967) Rev. Martha B. Kriebel, pastor of Palm Schwenkfelder Church since July 1959, was chosen as one of 6,000 young women between the ages of 21 and 35 to be included in the forthcoming biographical volume entitled Outstanding Young Women of America, which is published in Montgomery, Alabama. She was a 1956 cum laude graduate of Ursinus College and a 1959 graduate of Lancaster Theological Seminary. Rev. Martha received her S.T.M. degree in 1965 from the Mt. Airy Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia; the first woman so recognized by the school. Stephen A. Herczeg, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Herczeg, was the 1967 Schwenkfelder Scholarship winner for Schwenkfelder students attending Perkiomen School. At Spring General Conference, Norristown trustees reported that access to the Chestnut Hill cemetery was almost impossible from the road. There is a creek to cross over and trees that lean against the wall need to be removed. It was agreed that the trustees get more detailed specific information on cost of upkeep (short term and long term) and the right of way, and present a complete report at fall conference. The Spring General Conference offered membership rolls for the four suburban churches. Church Membership at the beginning of 1967 was as follows: Central, reported by Rev. Dr. Berthold Jacksteit = 1,044 Lansdale, reported by Rev. Larry O. Bechtel = 359 Norristown, reported by Rev. David Crowle = 507 Palm, reported by Rev. Martha Kriebel = 509 Philadelphia church was served by Rev. James Andrew S. Berky was the Headmaster at Perkiomen School and also Director of the Schwenkfelder Library. 25 YEARS AGO (1992) The Board of Publication solicited funds the distribute Rev. Karen Gallagher s book, Thread of Faith, to some Philadelphia and Montgomery County libraries. Spring General Conference was held at Schwenckfeld Manor, which was celebrating the 30th year since receiving its charter as Advanced Living, Inc. Church membership for the four churches listed under 50 Years Ago (above) was now reported as: Central = 1,451; Lansdale = 138; Norristown = 247, and Palm = 653. Philadelphia had no report. The barn on the property of the Anders farm purchase was converted to create an indoor volleyball and basketball court. Youth Director Mark Pettis welcomed the young people to participate in the newly renovated space. Bible School was held June for 155 children at Central. The Golden Agers had a good time being entertained by the North Penn Clown Alley and also enjoyed a picnic. Christian Endeavor was meeting weekly and the Schwenkies baseball team was competing against other local churches. Norristown held a Memorial Service for those who passed in the last year. A new schedule was implemented for the summer. Children thru 1st grade attended the church service until after a children s sermon and then went to their classrooms. A hymn sing was held each Sunday. The Men s and Women s Fellowship enjoyed an evening at Marian and Dick Nyce s. Palm participated in a pulpit exchange. David Luz spoke at Palm, Pastor Ron Krick at Norristown, and Pastor Todd Snyder at Central. Pastor Krick was named the recipient of the Allen S. Merck award. The Voice of the Bell was presented by the Senior Bell Choir and Senior Choir. The theme for vacation bible school was Together in Jesus Name 10 YEARS AGO (2007) The Easter season at Central was filled with music beginning with Harvest of Sorrow, a cantata that was presented on Palm Sunday by the Chancel Choir. The Dorian Choir sang Hosanna and additional music for the season was provided by Frank and Gail Davis, Dottie Heebner, Autumn Reyburn, the Chancel Choir, the Celebration Brass, and the Dorian Choir. Rev. Tim Trumper gave his last sermon on 29 April as he was leaving to serve at a church in Grand Rapids, MI. Olivet held a number of services during the Easter season. The Women s Fellowship held a hoagie sale and followed it later in the season with a Mother & Daughter banquet. On May 20, Rev. Gene Jerge was released from his vows as pastor of the Olivet Schwenkfelder congregation. In his absence, a number of guests served the congregation. Rev Tom Byron was the guest minister. Palm s Senior Choir presented the cantata Come to the Cross on Easter, followed by a covered dish breakfast, and then the Senior Choir sang Hallelujah. Palm held a Youth Art Show 23 April-May highlighting the talents of the church youth. May 5 found the ladies busy with their knotting and quilting event complete with a covered dish meal. On Mother s Day, a Women & Girls Tea Social took place with various teas and finger foods available. The event was enjoyed by all. Also on display were a number of tea cups. Relay for Life was held on May 19 & 20. This event was to raise awareness for cancer research. In addition to the Relay, roses and ice cream were sold. On June 15 the youth had a picnic and played soccer. A Senior Sleepover took place with persons sleeping in the balcony and the Adult Contemporary classroom. Those attending also enjoyed a movie. More June events were the Annual Salford Pilgrimage, the 41st Men of Palm chicken barbeque, and an end of year celebration. 19 The Schwenkfeldian Fall 2017

20 Schwenkfeldian THE Publication Office 105 Seminary Street Pennsburg, PA NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 42 BOYERTOWN, PA Published during the Winter, Spring, and Fall in the interest of the Schwenkfelder Church. To discontinue mailings, call or Address Service Requested SCHOOL OF CHRIST A SCHWENKFELDER AIR FORCE CHAPLIN IN THE SCHOOL OF CHRIST Sunday October 15, at 3 PM at Central Schwenkfelder Church. Speaker Capt. Robert M. Krauss, Jr. Air Force Chaplin, Ret. eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee SOCIETY OF THE DESCENDANTS OF THE SCHWENKFELDIAN EXILES Annual Fall Meeting Sunday, October 22, 2:00 pm Program at 2:30 pm SCHWENKFELDER PETITIONS FOR TOLERANCE - speaker Dr. Allen Viehmeyer This illustrated lecture relates the story of the recent discovery in the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center vault of copies of at least some of the petitions by a Schwenkfelder delegation to Emperor Charles VI in Vienna, Austria, between 1721 and Found bound in a manuscript book containing a variety of documents, these petitions, although well-known and long-sought by scholars, have never been brought to light until just a little more than a year ago. Included in the presentation will be remarks about the forming of the delegation and its impact as well the wording and the submission of the petitions.