Bessarabian Pastors in Romanian Times

By Arnulf Baumann

Translation from German to English by Dr. Elvire Necker-Eberhardt, edited by Dwayne Janke

Article appeared originally with German text written by Reinhold Schneider in the Jahrbuch der Deutschen aus Bessarabien: Heimatkalender 2005, Pages 100-118

Preface:
In the Jahrbuch der Deutschen aus Bessarabien 2002, pp. 253 – 273, I collected the most important information about those pastors who were working in Bessarabia, born there, or in any way connected with it, from the beginning of settlement until 1918, when Bessarabia ceased to belong to imperial Russia. This list was supposed to have been continued also for the Romanian time (1918 - 1940). However, for this endeavour, no such easy source was available as the article, “The Pastors of the Protestant Churches of Russia from the End of the 16th Century until 1937,” in Biographisches Lexikon by Erik Amburger, Lüneburg/Erlangen 1998. It contained almost all the necessary information (this information is also used here for the Russian time). Instead, the information about the pastors in Romanian times had to be painstakingly collected. Of great help in this search were the facts collected by Cornelia Schlarb from the provincial church archives in Hermannstadt/Transylvania and other libraries (here indicated as: LA). In addition: Cornelia Schlarb, Entwicklung der evangelisch-lutherischen Kirchspiele in Bessarabien, 1814-1940. An attempt of reconstruction, Jahrbuch 2003, pp. 44-70 (here indicated as: Schlarb: Kirchspiele). Additional information is found in Eduard Kneifel, Die Evangelische Kirche im Wartheland-Ost (Lodz) 1939- 1945, Selbstverlag Vierkirchen 1975 (here indicated as: Kneifel). For the earlier times some additions are found in Karl Stumpp’s index of Protestant pastors in various German and mixed parishes in Russia . . . in: Die Kirchen und das religiöse Leben der Russlanddeutschen. Protestant Part. Revision: Joseph Schnurr, 2nd Edition 1978, pp. 116-234 (here indicated as: Schnurr). For the information on school attendance and lectures, the following were used: Das Höhere Schulwesen der Deutschen in Bessarabien, Hannover 1968, with the lists of the boys’and girls’ school (Knabengymnasium and Mädchenlyzeum) in Tarutino, as well as Christian Fiess (ed.), Sarata 1822-1940, Mühlacker 1979, with the list of the students and teachers of religion of the Wernerschule in Sarata. Very helpful also was the information of the provincial church office of the Protestant Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck in Kassel, Germany (AK) and very importantly the provincial church archives in Stuttgart (ASt) for the times of service after the war. In addition, we want to thank a number of individuals for their information. It was not possible however, to find all necessary details; therefore I would be grateful for corrections and additions.

Pastors from Russian times who were also active in Bessarabia in Romanian times

At the time of Bessarabia’s transition to Romania, a considerable group of pastors were active in Bessarabian parishes who had been chosen during Russian times. They are already mentioned in the article in our Jahrbuch 2002, but will be represented here again with fewer facts of their biography. Almost all had finished their theological studies in Dorpat in Estonia. Some were born there (Alfons Meyer, Simsont, Gutkewitsch, Wolleydt); most of them hailed from Bessarabia (Haase, Wilhelm Meyer, Rudolf Meyer) or from German settlements in Russia (Schön, Roemmich). One descended from a Hanoverian pastors’ family (Scriba). They will be introduced shortly in the order of their birth years. Their connection with Bessarabia—as well as their first name in case of several—is indicated in italics.

A1. Meyer, Alfons Wilhelm, born May 31, 1854 in Moscow, theological studies in Dorpat, ordained in 1881 as assistant to the bishop for the first South Russian episcopal district. In 1882, married Marie Friederike Henriette Berthold from Dresden, in Arzis. From 1882 -1918 pastor in Sarata, at the same time teacher in the Wernerschule (teachers seminary) and principal in the Alexander-Asyl (hospital). Retired in 1918. Died March 14, 1924 at his son’s Rudolf in Arzis. See: Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p. 54; I. Meyer, Pastor Alfons Wilhelm Meyer, HK 1984, p. 143; I. Meyer, Friedericke Henriette Marie Meyer nee Berthold. Biography, HK 2001, p. 16-25; Chr. Fiess, Sarata 1922-1940, p. 98; Karl Knauer, Pastor Alfons Wilhelm Meyer,Kalender 1950 (Stuttgart), p. 156f.; For Pastor Alfons Wilhelm Meyer’s 100th Birthday, HK 1954, pp.45-55; E. Hommel, Pastor Personages, HK 1982, pp. 94f

A2. Simsont, Alexander Johann Karl, born July 31, 1863, in Neu-Laitzen, Courland. Theological studies in Dorpat, ordained in 1898. From 1898-1908 pastor in Zlatoust, district of Ufa; 1908-1911 pastor in Laudohn, Livland. In 1909, married Marie Katharina nee Sucker from Troizk, district of Orenburg. From 1911-1938 pastor in Fère-Champenoise I (Alt-Elft). Died there Sept. 21, 1938. See: Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p. 58.

A3. Gutkewitsch, Erich Karl, born June 22, 1873, in Wenden, Livland. Theological studies in Dorpat. Ordained in Moscow as assistant to the pastor in Kischinew for Bishop Faltin. From 1901-1904 constant assistant in Radomysl, district of Kiev. In 1901 married Katharina Kicherer of Moscow. From 1904-1940 pastor in the Kischinew parish, the most spread out one in Bessarabia. Member of the Consistorium. Resettlement. Retirement in 1940, Camps Gmunden and Kirschberg. Lived in Litzmannstadt/Lodz. Flight. In 1945 in Althütte/ Württemberg. Died there Aug. 12, 1956.
See: I. Meyer, To the 80th Birthday, MBI 12/1953; O. Enßlen, Obituary, MBI 17/1956; Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p. 55; Kneifel, p. 67; E. Seitz, Intercessor for the Germans from Bessarabia. Pastor Erich Gutkewitsch (1873-1956) Kischinew, HK 1991, pp. 27-30.

A4. Skriba (Scriba, Karl Johann Friedrich, born Aug. 17, 1876 in Suhurpita/ India. Theological studies in Erlangen, Halle, Göttingen. Ordained in 1907 in Hermannsburg/ Lüneburg Heath. In 1907 assistant to the pastor in Neu-Sarata, in 1909 married in Neu-Sarata to Marie Dorothee Bertha nee Becker from Messhausen/ Lüneburg Heath, her mother Engel Marie Dorothee nee Imbrock died Dec. 22, 1922 in Sarata. From 1910-1924 pastor in the parish of Neu-Sarata; 1913-1915 pastoral administrator in Roschischtsche/Volhynia). From 1924-1926 pastor in Galatz/Romania, 1926-1935 in Zebelin, Hanoverian Wendland. Died Sep. 23, 1935 in Hannover, buried in Hermannsburg. See: Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p. 66; Schnurr, p.167, 226; Marie Dorothee Bertha Scriba nee Becker, Reminiscences of Bessarabia, HK 2001, pp. 25-43, esp. pp.41ff.

A5. Haase, Daniel, born Sept. 11, 1877 in Fère-Champenoise I (Alt-Elft). Wernerschule in Sarata, Theological studies in Dorpat. Practical year in Sarata with Pastor A. Meyer. Ordained in 1908 in Tarutino, from 1908-1937 pastor in the parish of Tarutino and from 1908-1926 teacher of religion at the boys’ school in Tarutino, 1908-1909, 1922-1927 also at the girls’ school. In 1909 married Melanie Charlotte Lilli Tannbaum from Livland, who later became principal of the girls’ school in Tarutino. Cofounder of the German newspaper of Bessarabia. 1919 chairman of the provisional church consistory of Bessarabia, in 1920 vice-chairman and head pastor for Bessarabia, from 1921-1936 member of the provincial consistory. From 1926-1934 president of the German Volkcouncil of Bessarabia, from 1926-1937 member of the Romanian Parliament, sometimes also senator. In 1936 removal as head pastor, in 1936 temporary, in 1938 final dismissal. Died May 23, 1939, in Tarutino. See: LA; Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p. 48; Chr. Kalmbach, Oberpastor Daniel Haase, Kalender (Stuttgart), p. 160; E. Bisle-Fandrich/H. Bisle, Tarutino, Eigenverlag Bremerhaven 1996, pp. 66-68 (with additional biographic information).

A6. Meyer, Wilhelm Gottfried, born July 16, 1884, in Sarata. Son of Pastor Alfons M. (A1). High school in Odessa. Theological studies in Dorpat. In 1910, married Helene nee Hermann from Dorpat. Practical year in Sarata with Pastor A. Meyer. Ordained in 1912 in (Neu-) Posttal by Bishop Alber/Großliebental, from 1912-1915 assistant pastor and 1915-1919 pastor in the parish Posttal-Eigenheim, 1919-1921 pastor in the parish of Sarata, at the same time director of the Alexander-Asyl (hospital) and chairman of the Wernerschule school board. Died there Apr. 13, 1922. See: Schlarb, Kirchspiele, pp. 54,63; Chr. Fiess, Sarata 1922-1940, pp. 99f; H. Weber nee Berthold, “Biography of Pastor Wilhelm Gottfried Meyer,” Kalender 1950 (Stuttgart),pp. 157f; E. Hommel, Pastor Personages, HK 1982, p. 95; Helene Alide Mathilde Weber, Chronicle of an Eventful Life, HK 2004, pp. 93-98.

A7. Wolleydt, August Nikolai Siegfried , born Apr. 3, 1887 in Sassenhof near Riga. Theological studies in Dorpat. Ordained in 1912 in St. Petersburg. In 1912 in Dorpat married Antonie Hanna Willigerode from Dorpat. From 1912-1915 assistant pastor of the parish of Tarutino for Albota. From 1915-1929 pastor in the parish of Klöstitz, member of the church consistory. In 1929 second, in 1931 first pastor in Freital-Deuben/ Saxony. Died there, May 14, 1938. See: LA; Schlarb, Kirchspiele, pp. 59,66; Fr. Himmstedt nee Mammel, This wonderful House, HK 2002, pp. 64-66.

A8. Schön, Albert Arthur, born July 18, 1887 in Bialystok, theological studies in Dorpat. Practical year in Sarata with Pastor A. Meyer. Ordained in 1915 as pastor of the Church of St. Catherine in Petrograd. From 1915-1916 pastor in Neu-Saratowka near St. Petersburg. In 1916 married Nina nee Hoffmann from St. Petersburg (a sister of Ilse Meyer, No. A9.), from 1916-1918 pastor in Krasnojar, district Saratow. From 1919-1922 pastor of the parish of (Neu-) Posttal. From 1922-1939 pastor in Wladimir Wolynsk, at the same time from 1937-1939 commissioned Senior of Volhynia. From 1940-1949 pastor in Brandenburg/ Havel St. Gotthard. From 1949-1960 at the sanatorium Wittenau and Waldkrankenhaus Frohnau in West Berlin. Died after 1960.
See: LA; Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p. 63; Schnurr, pp. 170, 206.

A9. Meyer, Rudolf, born Nov. 13, 1887, in Sarata, son of P. Alfons Meyer (No. A1). Theological studies in Dorpat. In 1912 married Ilse nee Hoffmann from St. Petersburg (sister of Nina Schön No. A8). Practical year in Sarata with P.A. Meyer. Ordained in Arzis in 1913 by Bishop Alber/Großliebental. Worked much for the order of church service. In 1933 granted leave (after stroke), retired in 1935, Resettlement. Lived in Konitz/ West Prussia. In 1945 flight to Pomerania. Died Feb. 28, 1947 in Repzin/ Pomerania. See: Ilse Meyer, Leaves of Remembrances of My Life, Duisburg 1962, p. 55; E. Hommel, Pastor Personages, HK 1982, p. 96; Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p. 52; A. Kern, Pastor Rudolf Meyer, Kalender 1950 (Stuttgart), pp. 158f (= Heimatkalender 1950, pp. 5f).

A10. Roemmich, Heinrich, born May 12, 1888, in Worms, distr. Cherson. Central school Neu-Freudental, private high school Treffner in Dorpat. Theological studies in Dorpat, in between private tutor. From 1915-1916 practical year in Glückstal with Bishop Schilling. Ordained in 1916 as assistant pastor in Glückstal, dist. Cherson. In 1917 pastor in Glückstal. From 1917-1919 teacher at the German protestant boys school in Tarutino (at the same time from 1918-1921 teacher of religion at the girls’ school). From 1919-1932 principal there. In 1919 leader in the establishing of the German Newspaper of Bessarabia; in 1922 married Klavdija Tschuprina from Wossnesensk, dist. Cherson, a teacher at the boys’ and girls’ school; second vice president of the Volkcouncil; from 1932-1935 pastor in Frankenthal/ Saxony, from 1935-1946 pastor in Possendorf/Saxony. From 1946-1949 pastor and teacher of religion in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt, from 1949-1954 substitute pastor in Stuttgart-Zazenhausen, retired in 1954 in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt. From 1947-1962 honorary leader of the Hilfskomitee of the Ev.-Luth. resettlers of Eastern Europe (Germans from Russia), From 1951-1968 founder, chairman and speaker of the Landsmannschaft of the Germans from Russia, in 1968 honorary president. Died Sept. 26, 1980 in Stuttgart.
See: Schnurr, pp. 166, 214; ASt; J. Fuchs, Geschichte des evang.-deutschen Knabengymnasiums zu Tarutino, 1933 (newly printed in 1968 in: Das höhere Schulwesen der Deutschen in Bessarabien, pp. 97ff); H. Häfner, Bessarabiendeutsche Schulgeschichte, HK 1993, p. 80; E. Bisle-Fandrich/H. Bisle, Tarutino, Eigenverlag Bremerhaven 1996, p. 103.

It is remarkable with this generation how long some of them stayed in one parish: Alfons Meyer and Gutkewitsch 36 years, Haase 29, Simsont 27! No wonder they became pregnant personages and remained long in people’s memory. Their importance sticks out from the Russian far into the Romanian time or even longer. Yet only Roemmich served the church after the resettlement; he never worked in a Bessarabian parish, but put his stamp on the boys’ school in Tarutino in a remarkable way, just as before him Pastor and Mrs. Haase had done.

Pastors in Romanian Times

1. The Transitional Time
Among those pastors who received a parish only in Romanian times, the group that stands out includes those who finished or at least began their theological studies in Dorpat (Härter, only high school). They had to cope with the transition from the Russian to the Romanian state system. If, at the end of WWI, they found themselves on Soviet territory, they returned to their homeland Bessarabia under dramatic adventures (Winger, Rivinius). They all hailed from Bessarabia, or (Härter) from the neighboring Black Sea area, even their wives. Their story reflects the transition to Romania, away from the Baltic countries, the heart of Lutheranism in Imperial Russia.

B1. Winger, Gotthold Immanuel, born May 19, 1891, in Sarata. Wernerschule. In 1908 examination at the state teacher seminary in Ismail, teaching position in Jekaterinoslaw and Gnadental. Secondary school Treffner in Dorpat, in 1913 study of history, in 1914 theological studies in Dorpat. First and second examination in Reval. From 1918-1919 probationary year in Odessa with P. Daniel Steinwand, ordained in 1919 in Odessa. Assistant pastor until early in 1921 in Odessa. Flight to Bessarabia. From 1921-1923 assistant pastor in Sarata. In 1922 married Ida Luise Renz from Demir-Chadschi, daughter of an estate owner (died in 1971 in Wendlingen). From 1923 -1940 pastor of the parish Sarata, at the same time director of the Alexander-Asyl (hospital), chairman of the school board and until 1929 teacher of religion at the Wernerschule; from 1929-1933 also member of the church consistory and also from 1933-1940 District Senior. Resettlement. From 194?-1945 substitute pastor in Pabianice, then pastor in Tuschin near Erzhausen (Litzmannstadt-Lodz). Flight. Since March 1945 pastoral administrator in Friedrichshafen-Manzell. From September 1945-1948 pastoral administrator in Althütte. From 1949-1956 pastor in Unterboihingen/ Württemberg. Retired in 1956 in Wendlingen. From 1957-1966 editor of the supplement Kirchliche Nachrichten of the Mitteilungsblatt. Died Sept. 25, 1966 in Kirchheim u. Teck/ Württemberg. See: LA; Schnurr, pp. 180,212,214; ASt; Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p. 54; Kneifel, p. 66; Chr. Fiess, Sarata 1822-1940, pp. 100f

B2. Koch, Rudolf, born Sept. 15, 1892, in Gnadental, Wernerschule Sarata, then secondary school in Dorpat. Theological studies in Dorpat and Tübingen. 1st theological exam in Württemberg, curate in Altdorf near Schw. Gmünd and pastoral seminary Stuttgart. 1921/22 practical year in Tarutino with Head Pastor Haase. In 1923 married Luise nee Schulz from Bessarabia. Ordained in 1922 by Head Pastor Haase in Albota. In 1922 assistant pastor, then from 1923-1937 pastor in the parish of Albota, from 1937-1940 second pastor and teacher of religion at the Wernerschule in Sarata. Resettlement (A-Fall): since 1943 teacher of religion in Ulm, from 1944-1949 in Waldsee/Upper Swabia, from 1949-1957 pastor in Wolfenhausen near Tübingen. Second marriage with Marta Oßwald. Retired in 1957 (after heart attack) in Bernhausen. Died March 15, 1962, in Bernhausen. See: LA; ASt; Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p.67; Chr. Fiess, Sarata 1822-1940, p. 102; G. Winger, In Memory of Pastor Rudolf Koch, HK 1963, pp.62f; H. Gäckle, Alt-Posttal, p. 289.

B3. Härter, Adolf, born Apr. 11, 1893, in Neu-Beresina, dist. Cherson, schooling in Dorpat and Reval, study of science in Odessa. Theological studies in Tübingen and Marburg. In 1922 first theol. exam in Tübingen, in 1922 practical year in Tarutino with Head Pastor Haase. In 1923 assistant pastor in Tarutino, from 1914-1940 pastor in the parish of Alt-Posttal. In 1925 married Emma Johanna nee Fiechtner from Tarutino. Resettlement. Resettlement camp Benetzko/Slowakia, from 1941-1945 pastor in Kröben/Posen. Flight. From 1945-1948 commissioned pastor in Alsleben/ Saale, St.Johannes and St. Gertrud. From 1948-1965 pastor in Alsleben. Retired in 1965, until 1966 administrator of the congregation. Died May 11, 1967 (traffic accident). See: E. Hommel, HK 1987, p. 134; Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p. 63; I. Thielemann, Emma Johanna Härter, nee Fiechtner, HK 2001,pp.51-53; I. Thielemann, Pastor Adolf Härter, HK 2002, pp. 229-232.

B4. Rivinius, Jakob, born Oct. 20, 1893, in Mannsburg, teachers seminary in Großliebental, dist. Cherson, secondary school in Dubno/ Volhynia. Study of languages in Odessa, of theology in Dorpat. After the October Revolution tutor on the Crimea, imprisonment by the Red Army, in 1921/22 flight to Bessarabia. Imprisonment in Romania. Continued study of theology in Tübingen and Leipzig/Germany. In 1923 married Olga nee Anklam from Gnadenfeld region of Don. From 1924-1926 practical year in Sarata with P. Winger and teacher at the Wernerschule. In 1925 2nd theol. exam in Tarutino. Ordination by Head P. Haase in Leipzig/Bess., from 1926-1938 pastor in the newly established parish of Leipzig. From 1938-1940 in the parish of Fère-Champenoise I (Alt-Elft). Resettlement. From 1941-1945 pastor in Nessau/ Nieszawa on the Vistula/Poland. Flight. In 1945 pastor in Bernau near Berlin. Flight. In 1945 itinerary preacher for the Germans from Bessarabia in Waiblingen, teacher of religion and substitute for sick pastors, from 1951-1954 pastor in Machtolsheim. Died July 5, 1954 in Ulm. See: LA; ASt; Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p. 68; E. Tetz, Happily Lift your Eyes. Words in Memory of the Deceased Pastor Jakob Rivinius, private print Ludwigsburg 1954; E. Rivinius, The Twice- Successful Flight of the Theology Student Jacob Rivinius, HK 1988, pp.81-84; Kneifel, p. 63; A. Lächelt, Heimatbuch Leipzig/Bess. 1982, pp. 100-103.

2. Pastors in the 1920s
At the turn of the 19th century, pastors were born who served the church in the 1920s. All of them hailed from Bessarabia. They had started their schooling in the time of Imperial Russia, but finished it under Romanian rule. As a result, they were fluent in both state languages. For all of them, their study of theology took place in Germany or Austria; some of them also started serving the church in these countries, in order to avoid military service. It is remarkable how often we hear of this group being teachers of religion; Schnaidt made this his life’s work. Their wives almost exclusively hailed from Bessarabia. Resettlement and the Flight are the great milestones of their lives. After that, they often found employment mostly in the provincial church of Württemberg. Because of his engagement with the Bessarabian Germans, Baumann served a few years in northern Germany.

B5. Hornung, Rudolf, born Oct. 31, 1896 in Gnadental, Wernerschule Sarata and Knabengymnasium Tarutino. Study of theology in Tübingen, Marburg, Vienna. In 1926 first theol. exam in Vienna, from 1926-1927 practical year in Sarata with P. Winger and teacher of religion at the Wernerschule. In 1927 2nd theol. exam in Tarutino. Ordained in 1927 in Eigenfeld by Head Pastor Haase. In 1927 married Olga nee Wächter from Tiraspol/ Dnjestr (died in 1979). From 1927-1940 pastor in the newly founded parish of Eigenfeld. Resettlement. Substitute service in Graslitz/Slovakia. Military service (translator). From 1943-1945 pastor in Krone on the Brahe/ West Prussia. Flight. Substitute service in Ahlden/Aller. Provincial Church of Hannover. In 1946 pastor in Langenau near Ulm, in 1949 in Mühlhausen/ Enz near Vaihingen, retired in 1959 in Ludwigsburg. Died Jan. 6, 1977 in Mühlacker.
See: ASt; Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p. 67; W. Hornung, Pastor Hornung preaches in Lichtental, HK 2004, pp. 73-76. Information from Paul-Friedrich Hornung (son).

B6. Schnaidt, Bernhard, born Feb. 15, 1897 in Brienne. Wernerschule Sarata, then Knabengymnasium Tarutino. Study of theology in Tübingen, Marburg, Zurich, and Vienna. In 1928 theol. and philological exam in Vienna. In 1928/29 practical year in Arzis with P. Rudolf Meyer. In 1929 2nd theol. exam in Tarutino. Ordained in 1929 by Head P. Haase as assistant pastor in Tarutino. In 1929 married Elfriede Herrmann from Wittenberg. From 1929-1940 pastor and teacher of religion at the Knabengymnasium and the Mädchenlyzeum in Tarutino. From 1932-1940, director of the Knabengymnasium. In 1935 professor. From 1936-1940 member of the Consistory. Resettlement. In 1942 master of a secondary school in Thorn. In 1945 teacher of religion at the secondary school in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt, in 1954 head master. Retired in 1960 in Waiblingen. Died Jan. 30, 1964 in Waiblingen.
See: ASt; J. Fuchs, History of the ev.-German Boys’ School in Tarutino, new print 1968; H. Häfner, Bess. German School History, HK 1993, pp.74-81.

B7. Kern, Albert, born Oct.18, 1899 in Arzis. Wernerschule Sarata, then Knabengymnasium Tarutino. Study of theology in Tübingen, Marburg, Leipzig. In 1925 practical year in Tarutino with Head P. Haase, at the same time teacher of religion at the Knabengymnasium, ordained in 1926 in Tarutino by Head P. Haase. In 1926 married Alma nee Rasch from Friedensfeld. From 1926-1939 pastor in the revived parish of Andrejewka—formerly permanent assistant administration Eigenheim— (including the Reformed Church in Schabo). From 1939-1940 pastor in the independent congregation of Tarutino. Resettlement. From 1942-1945 pastor in Briesen/West Prussia. Flight. In 1945 pastor in Klein-Flottbek near Hamburg. In 1946 pastor in Stuttgart-Sillenbuch, in 1948 member with consulting voice of the 4th Provincial Church Government of Württemberg, in 1953 pastor in Stuttgart-Riedenberg, retired in 1962 (after heart attack) in Stuttgart-Weilimdorf. Provincial First Chairman of the Hilfskomitee for Württemberg, in 1953 (again) founder of the “Alexander-Asyl” (later called Alexander-Stift) In Großerlach-Neufürstenhütte, editor of the Bess. Heimatbuch. From 1962-1977 Federal Chairman, honorary chairman. From 1966-1967 editor of the supplement “Church News” of the Mitteilungsblatt.” Died Apr. 24, 1985 in Weilimdorf.
See: LA; ASt; Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p. 65; A. Baumann, Pastor Albert Kern, Mbl May 16, 1985. Lit. A. Kern, We are looking for our eternal home. Devotional book, Stuttgart 1961, 376 pp.; dito, Heimatbuch der Bessarabiendeutschen. Hannover 1966.

B8. Baumann, Immanuel, born Dec.21, 1900 in Gnadental, Wernerschule Sarata, then Knabengymnasium Tarutino. Study of theology in Tübingen, Leipzig and Vienna. In 1925 curate at St.Veit/ Kärnten. Practical year with Head P. Haase in Tarutino. From 1926-1929 teacher of religion at the Knabengymnasium and Mädchenlyzeum Tarutino. In 1927 2nd theol. exam in Tarutino. In 1927 married Else nee Schulz from Basyrjamka (died in 1980). From 1929-1940 pastor in the parish of Klöstitz, at the same time from 1936-1940 head pastor of Bessarabia, also from 1938-1940 member of the provincial church consistory, from 1939-1940 deputy bishop curate. From 1938-1940 editor of the “Sonntagsgruß.” Resettlement. Resettlement camp in Rüdigershagen, dist. Worbis and Heiligenstadt/Eichsfeld. In 1941 pastor in Litzmannstadt/ Lodz for the care of the resettlers. From 1941-1945 pastor in Konin/ Warthe, from 1941-1943 administrator of the superintendent, from 1943-1945 superintendent of the diocese of Konin, member of the synode council of the Luth. Church. In 1945 parochial representative in war time in Bad Mergentheim; from 1945-1948 church administrator in Hemmingen, near Leonberg. Founder and chairman of the Hilfskomitee, from 1948-1969 editor and main publisher of the Mitteilungsblatt and Heimatkalender. From 1949-1950 itinerary preacher for the Bessarabian Germans in the provincial church of Hannover. From 1950-1956 provincial pastor for the refugees in Hannover. From 1956-1964 pastor in Hannover, Gartenkirche. From 1962-1969 provincial chairman of the Hilfskomitee. From 1964-1967 pastor in Hannover-Bothfeld. Retired in 1967. Died June 24. 1974 in Hannover.
See: LA; Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p.59; Kneifel, pp. 38,43,58,114; E. Hommel, Pastor Personages, HK 1982, pp. 91-94; A. Baumann, Head Pastor Immanuel Baumann (1900-1974), HK 2000, pp. 151-166; A. Baumann, Head Pastor Immanuel Baumann After the War, HK 2001, pp. 167-191, 199-205.

B9. Hermann, August, born March 1, 1900 in Brienne, Wernerschule Sarata, then Knabengymnasium Tarutino. Study of theology in Tübingen, Marburg and Leipzig. Practical year in Sarata with P. Winger and teacher of religion at the Wernerschule. Ordained in 1928 by Head P. Haase in Sarata, married Klara Fieß from Sarata. From 1928-1935 assistant pastor and teacher of religion at the Wernerschule Sarata. From 1935-1940 pastor in the parish of Arzis. Resettlement. From 1942-1945 pastor in Joarotschin/Wartheland. Flight. In 1946 pastor in Rudersberg. In 1946 pastoral administrator in Ruppertshofen near Schw. Gmünd, there pastor in 1960. Retired in 1966 in Großdeinbach. Died Dec. 7, 1984 in Waiblingen.
See: LA; ASt; Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p. 52.

B10. Naumann, Oskar, born Apr. 13, 1901 in Lichtental. Wernerschule Sarata, then Knabengymnasium Tarutino, nothing else known.

B11. Erdmann, Harry Alfons, born Jan. 10, 1902 in Arzis, Knabengymnasium Tarutino, study of theology in Tübingen, in 1925 practical year in Arzis with P. Meyer, ordained in 1926 by Head P. Haase in Neu-Sarata. From 1926-1930 pastor in the parish of Neu-Sarata. From 1931-1947 pastor in Altenburg/Thüringen (Saxon provincial church). In 1947 pastoral administrator in Nattheim/Württ. In 1955 pastor in Bieberach near Heilbronn. Died Oct. 14, 1956 in Bieberach.
See: LA; ASt; Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p. 66.

3. Pastors in the 1930s

In the 1930s, pastors who were schooled mainly during Romanian times, and who had studied exclusively in Germany or Austria, started their service. Most of them brought their wives from there too. They started their pastoral service in newly established independent congregations (Gnadental, Kulm) or in parishes (Mathildendorf). After the Resettlement, some were in the church district of Konin together with Head Pastor Baumann (Schaupp, Schlenker). However, they soon were drafted into the army; three lost their lives (W. Mayer, Franz and Fuchs). Those who survived entered the provincial churches of Württemberg (Tetz, Otto Mayer, Schaupp), of Kurhessen-Waldeck (Schlenker), Hannover (E.Meyer), Schleswig-Holstein (Neumann) and Canada (Lukas), where they served many more years. Since they had taken care of Bessarabian congregations only briefly, their connection to former members of the congregation was not as marked as with the older Bessarabian pastors.

B12. Mayer, Wilhelm, born Jan. 12, 1905 in Seimeny. Knabengymnasium Tarutino. Study of theology in Marburg, Leipzig and Vienna, in between teacher in Manukbejewka. In 1937 first theological exam in Vienna. Practical year in Neu-Posttal with P. Härter. Ordained in 1939 by Head P. Baumann in Kulm. From 1939-1940 first pastor of the independent congregation of Kulm. Resettlement. Active in the committee of Resettlement and Settlement. In 1943 drafted as medical orderly, wounded. Died June 5, 1944 in Italy.
See: LA; Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p. 50; Erwin Meyer, HK 1950, pp. 66f.

B13. Tetz, Eduard, born July 12, 1906 in Borodino, Knabengymnasium Tarutino, study of theology in Leipzig and Vienna. In 1934 first theol. exam in Tarutino. Practical year in Alt-Elft and in Leipzig with P. Rivinius. Ordained in 1935 in Gnadental by Head P. Haase. From 1935-1940 pastor in Gnadental, the first independent congregation in Bessarabia. Married Hilde nee Großhans from Bessarabia. Resettlement. Camp pastor. From 1942-1945 pastor in Grabieniec near Litzmannstadt/ Lodz. Flight. At first pastor for refugees in the provincial church of Hannover. In 1946 teacher of religion in Ludwigsburg, in 1949 pastor in Ludwigsburg-Pflugfelden, he deserves credit for his activities to settle Bess.- Germans and other refugees. From 1957-1964 pastor in Deckenpfronn/Württemberg, from 1964-1975 pastor in Ludwigsburg-Poppenweiler. Retired in 1975. Died Aug. 3, 1994 in Ludwigsburg.
See; LA; ASt; Kneifel, pp. 65f; MBI Sept.15, 1994.

B14. Mayer, Otto Wilhelm, born Jan. 2, 1906 in Seimeny, Knabengymnasium Tarutino. Study of theology in Tübingen, Marburg and Leipzig. In 1934 first theol. exam in Leipzig. Practical year in 1934 in Klöstitz with P. Baumann and in Andrejewka with P. Kern. In 1935 ordained by Head P. Haase in Sarata. From 1935-1937 teacher of religion at the Wernerschule in Sarata. In 1936 married Frieda nee Brugger from Switzerland. From 1937-1940 pastor in the parish of Albota. Resettlement. From 1941-1945 pastor in Neudorf on the Vistula/ Nowa Wies, drafted. In 1946 in the provincial church of Württemberg, in 1951 pastor in Wart, dist. Calw, in 1958 pastor in Großbettlingen-Raidwangen. Retired in 1971. Died Aug. 23, 1972 in Hirzenhain/ Dillkreis.
See: LA; ASt; E. Hommel, “Ich will halt zum Herr Paschtor”, HK 1983, pp. 167-170; Frieda Mayer nee Brugger, Erinnerungen ans Kirchspiel Albota 1937-1940, HK 2005, pp.66-79; Kneifel, pp.62, 67.

B15. Lukas, Emil Christian, born March 13, 1908 in Neu-Arzis. Knabengymnasium Tarutino. Study of theology in Leipzig and Vienna, first theol. exam in Vienna; practical year in Leipzig with P. Rivinius and in Neu-Sarata. Ordained in 1932 by Head P. Haase. From 1933-1940 pastor in the parish of Neu-Sarata. In 1934 married Erna Emilie nee Klädtke from Germany. Resettlement. Resettlement camp Eferding near Linz/ Austria, Schloss Koschetek near Prague/ Czech Republic. From 1941-1945 pastor of the settlers in Rosterschütz/ Wladyslawow, dist. Turek/ Poland. Flight into Mark Brandenburg, care of the congregations Warsow and Predikow. Flight to Schleswig-Holstein, from 1945-1955 pastor in Rethwischdorf near Bad Oldesloe. From 1955-1973 pastor in Coaldale/ Alberta in Canada. Retired in 1973. Died March 15, 1998 in Calgary/Alberta.
See: LA; Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p.66; Kneifel, pp. 61f; E. Lukas, Chronik der ev-.luth. Erlöserkirche Coaldale/ Alberta, HK 2004, pp. 231-237; MBI March 19, 1998.

B16. Schaupp, Herbert, born March 14, 1910 in Beresina, Wernerschule Sarata, then Knabengymnasium Tarutino. Study of theology in Tübingen, Königsberg, Rostock and Marburg. Practical year in Sarata with P. Winger. In 1936 2nd theol. exam in Tarutino. Ordained in 1936 in Mathildendorf by Head P. Haase. In 1936 married Christiane nee Wilhelm from Marburg. From 1936-1940 pastor in the newly established parish of Mathildendorf. Resettlement. From 1941-1945 pastor in Butterholland/ Maslaki near Konin, drafted in 1942. From 1945-1957 pastor in Oppelsbohm, dist. Waiblingen, from 1957-1963 pastor in Laichingen, dist. Münsingen, from 1963-1968 pastor in Schwaigern near Heilbronn. Retired in 1968 in Laichingen. Died Sep. 22, 1993 in the Alexander-Stift, Großerlach-Neufürstenhütte.
See: LA; ASt; Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p. 69; Kneifel, p. 64.

B17. Franz, Paul, geb. Oct. 16, 1910 in Arzis, Wernerschule Sarata, then Knabengymnasium Tarutino, from 1930-1932 teacher in Alisowka. Study of theology in Vienna, Leipzig and Jena. Practical year in 1939 with P. Hermann in Arzis. Ordained in ?. Resettlement. Ministry in camps in Stolberg and other camps. Married Alma nee. In 1941 in Bürgel/ Thüringen. Drafted in 1941. Died in 1944 during a bomb raid in Galatz.
See: Erwin Meyer, HK 1950, p.67.

B18. Schlenker, Albert, born Jan. 29, 1912 in Neu-Posttal, Wernerschule Sarata, then Knabengymnasium Tarutino. Study of theology in Vienna, Marburg and Erlangen. In 1936 first theol.exam in Erlangen. Practical year in 1936 in Klöstitz with Head P. Baumann. In 1937 2nd theol. exam in Tarutino. Ordained in 1937 as assistant pastor for Tarutino and Klöstitz by Head P. Baumann. Married Margarete nee Kurtz from Marburg. From 1939-1940 pastor in the parish of Andrejewka. Resettlement. From 1941-1945 pastor in Grenzhausen/ Slupca near Konin, drafted from 1943 on. In 1946 pastoral substitute in Breitau near Rotenburg/ Fulda, from 1946-1977 pastor in Ulfen near Eschwege/ Hessen. Retired in 1977 in Ulfen, but still doing ministry there. Died Oc.10, 1986 in Bad Hersfeld.
See: LA; Schlarb, Kirrchspiele, p. 65; Kneifel, p. 64.

B19. Meyer, Erwin, born Aug. 9, 1915 in Arzis as son of P. Rudolf and Ilse Meyer (A9). Wernerschule Sarata, then Knabengymnasium Tarutino. Study of theology in Vienna, Tübingen and Leipzig. Practical year in Arzis with P. Rudolf Meyer and in Alt-Elft with P. Simsont. Ordained in 1939 in Leipzig by Head P. Baumann, from 1939-1940 pastor in the parish of Leipzig. In 1939 married Ingeborg nee Hykel from Slovakia. Resettlement. Ministry and replacement in the resettlement camps. From 1941-1945 pastor in Gombin near Leslau/Poland. From 1942-1944 military service, American POW until 1946. From 1946-1948 in Bavarian provincial church (Sachsenmühle, Fränkische Schweiz). From 1948-1955 pastor and general secretary of the Martin Luther-Bund in Erlangen. Collected material for the Bess. Heimatbuch and the Bess. Church Archive. From 1955-1978 pastor in Almstedt-Petze near Hildesheim or rather in Hannover-Kirchrode, Jakobikirche. From 1970-1981 District Chairman of the Hilfskomitee. Retired in 1978. Died Nov. 23, 1988 in Hannover.
See: LA; Schlarb, Kirchspiele, p. 68; E. Seitz, Pastor Erwin Meyer In memoriam, HK 1990, pp. 102f; Kneifel, p.62; A. Lächelt, Heimatbuch Leipzig/Bess. 1982, pp. 103-105; E. Hommel, Pastorenpersönlichkeiten, HK 1982, pp. 96f.

B20. Neumann, Konstantin, born July 22, 1902 in Bessarabien, Knabengymnasium Tarutino. Study of theology in Leipzig. In 1933 first theol.exam in Leipzig. In 1934 2nd theol. exam in Tarutino. Ordained in 1935 in Tarutino as teacher of religion for the Knabengymnasium and the Mädchenlyzeum by Head P. Baumann. Resettlement. In 1948/49 pastor in Curau and Lübeck. Retired ? in 1967 in Austria. Died there?
See: LA; Information from Hugo Schreiber.

B21. Fuchs, Woldemar, born Feb. 12, 1815 in Tarutino. Knabengymnasium Tarutino. Study of theology in Leipzig, Tübingen, Berlin and Jena. Practical year in Klöstitz with Head P. Baumann. Ordained May 12, 1940 in ? by Head P. Baumann. Resettlement. Ministry to the resettlers in the camps around Bautzen. Married Maria-Martha Pötschke from Sachsen. From 1941-1945 pastor in Selau/ Zelau in the Wartheland. In the army since 1942. Died in the war March 14, 1945 in Münsterberg/ Silesia.
See: Kneifel, p. 60; Erwin Meyer, HK 1950, p. 68.

Supplement

Some pastors will be mentioned here who had at least part of their schooling in Bessarabia but who served in either the neighboring Dobrudscha or after the Resettlement in Germany. To find information for them was especially difficult.

C1. Hahn, Herbert, born Dec. 14, 1900 in Kulowa/Crimea. Study of theology in Tübingen, Leipzig, Marburg, Vienna. Practical year in Klöstitz with P. Wolleydt. From 1926-1940 pastor in the parish of Cobadin/Dobrudscha. Resettlement. Anything else unknown. In 1946 pastoral administrator in Oppelsbohm/Württemberg. At first assisting then chairman of the Hilfskomitee of the Germans from Dobrudscha. In 1947 refugee pastor for the Germans from Dobrudscha with head quarters in Göppingen, in 1952 pastor in Göppingen, Oberhofenkirche. Retired in 1965. Died Feb. 21, 1983 in Göppingen.
See: LA; ASt.

C2. Wildermuth, Benjamin, born Nov. 11, 1903 in Mariewka. Knabengymnasium Tarutino. Studies in Vienna. In 1930 first theol. exam in Vienna. Practical year in 1930 in Kischinew. Ordained as assistant pastor in Kischinew. From 1930-1940 pastor in Cogealac-Tariverde/ Dobrudscha. In 1958 ? pastor in Lendershausen near Hofheim/ Ufr. Nothing else known.

C3. Weingärtner, Gotthilf, born March 6, 1907 in Teplitz, Wernerschule Sarata. Study of history and German literature in Marburg and Hermannstadt, from 1926-1950 teacher at elementary and middle schools in the Dobrudscha, in 1928 passed examination for the service in churches, varied church ministries, in 1931 married Anna nee ? . In 1950 pastor in Konstanza to the dispersed Protestants in the Dobrudscha including Galatz and Braïla. Died Oct. 19, 1980 in Konstanza.
See: E. Hommel, Pastorenpersönlichkeiten, HK 1982, pp. 100-103; A. Meyer, Erinnerungen an Pastor Gotthilf Weingärtner/ Konstanza, HK 1982, pp. 103f.

C4. Hommel, Emil, born June 7, 1909 in Friedensfeld. Wernerschule Sarata. From 1926-1929 assistant teacher, tutor and sexton in Bessarabia. From 1930-1931 training of an evangelist in Johanneum in Wuppertal/Barmen. From 1931-1933 Romanian military service. In 1934 married Anna Alwine nee Scheuffele from Nesselrode/Ukraine (died in 1994). From 1934-1935 sexton in Mariental. From 1936-1940 preacher and evangelist under the district church consistory Tarutino. Resettlement. From 1941-1942 agricultural inspector for the Southeast European Mission in Tannhübel, dist. Glatz/Silesia. From 1942-1944 settled on the farm of his father in Mesenz, dist. Strasburg/ West Prussia. From 1945-1947 Soviet POW. From 1947-1953 itinerary preacher for the Southeast European Mission in Geisweid/ Sieg for the Bess. German Gemeinschaften. From 1953-1956 preacher for the provincial Gemeinschaft in the Edenstraße in Hannover. From 1956-1958 Mission inspector for the Southeast European Mission in Geisweid/Sieg. In 1958 pastoral deacon, then pastor in Dankelshausen near Hannoversch Münden. Retired in 1974 in Dreye and Birkum near Bremen. Died June 28, 1991 in Syke-Barrien. Active to the end in the Bess. Gemeinschaftsverband Nord-Süd.
See: Gerd-Klaus Hommel, Anna Alwine Hommel (1909-1994), HK 2002, pp. 139-146; information from G.-K. Hommel (son). Litarature: E. Hommel, Das bess. Gemeinschaftsleben, Hermannstadt/Siebenbürgen 1939, 150 pp. (New print with supplement: Bookholzberg 1953, 200 pp.).

C5. Tiede, Otto, from Bessarabia. In 1951 preacher in Waldbröl near Cologne, in 1955 in Krefeld, in 1963 pastor in Krefeld. Anything else unknown.

C6. Rüb, Willy Gottlieb, born Jan. 24, 1920 in Balaktschelly, from 1931-1935 Wernerschule Sarata. Study of theology in ?. In 1950 first then in 1952 2nd theol.exam. In 1953 pastor in Zavelstein/Württ., in 1966 in Mössingen-Talheim, in 1977 in Großbottwar-Winzenhausen. From 1977-1982 District Chairman of the Hilfskomitee. Retired in 1982. Died Dec. 23, 1995 in Beilstein.
See: ASt.

C7. Wiedmann, Artur, born in 1928 in Eigenheim ?. Elementary school. Resettlement. Military service, American POW. Study of theology at the Theol. Seminary of the university of Leipzig. In 1951 first theol.exam in Leipzig. Ordained in 1951 in Eisenach by District Bishop Mitzenheim. Assistant preacher in Berka/Werra. In 1953, 2nd theol.exam in Eisenach. Married Senta nee Zerezke from the Baltic countries in 1952. In 1954 pastor in Gospenroda, dist. Eisenach. From 1957-1967 pastor for the Leipziger Mission in Brazil (in 1958 in Cunha Pora/S.Catarina, in 1961 in Tres de Maio/R. Grande do Sul, in 1965 director of a district synode there), in 1968 pastor in Walheim/ Neckar, in 1976 in Bad Schussenried near Biberach, in 1984 chaplain in the Bürgerhospital Stuttgart. Retired in 1991 in Biberach. Was District Chairman of the Hilfskomitee for a few years.
See: A. Wiemann, Zehn Jahre Pastor in Brasilien, HK 1970, pp.44-47; A. Wiedmann, Grenzenlose Weite. Daheim in der Steppe Bessarabiens, Metzingen 2001; A. Wiedmann, Unnütze Knechte. Vier Jahrzehnte im kirchlichen Dienst, Metzingen 2004, 242 p.

C8. Kutzarow, Walbert, in 1930 born in Plotzk. Resettlement in 1940. Married Heidi nee ? From Switzerland. In 1958 ? pastoral deacon in Meßkirch/ Baden, in 1960 in Gießen, in 1961 in Uster/Switzerland, in 1975 pastor in Altstetten/Switzerland. Retired in 1995 in Männedorf/ Vitznau/Switzerland.

Summary

Our survey shows that the Bessarabian pastors were equally affected by the political unrest as their compatriots. To be sure they quickly found employment after the Resettlement and the Flight, but especially after the end of WWII, they had to wait long years to fully get into the service of their new provincial churches. Shortly after the war, they were points of contact for the Bessarabian Germans. Their service led them into varied areas in Germany, mainly to Württemberg, but also to Switzerland, to Canada and Brazil. They remained in contact in various ways with their compatriots, especially with the people of their parishes. Some were active within the Hilfskomitee (Winger, Kern, Baumann, E. Meyer, Rüb and Wiedmann), some itinerary preachers for their compatriots (Rivinius, Baumann), or they were engaged for them in some manner (Tetz, Hommel). Over all, this indicates a strong tie to the homeland and its people.