Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-26

country, to refer to his always being q re-
publican, as he was born under the French
flag. He was educated at the university at
Spever. He showed wonderful aptitude as
q scholar and was soon recognized for
his clear logical thinking. AS soon as
he graduated position was ready for him
Rs teacher in the university in which he
had received his education. Having par
ticulsrly fitted himself for q teacher he
promptly accepted, and spent some time at
this place.
At that time Europe was in o furor of
religious excitement and in a state of transit
tion from the atheistic teachings of the
French to the dogmatic theology that was
taking such a firm grasp upon German
thought. Being OF an active mind, Henrici
entered into the discussion of these ques-
tions with all the fervor of his youth
and marked ability. He was not satisfied
with either of the branches of dominant
thought of his time, and was early graSping
after something that would crafty his re-
Iigious beliefs
Heard of the Harmony Society.
At this time an account of the Harmony
Society, then situated in Butler county, fell
into his hands. He began studying the
teachings of this society and found some
thing that he thought would satisfy him.
He induced his parents to accompany him
to America and cast their lot with
the new sect that he had heard
of. His urgings were effective and in 1925
the whole family landed at Baltimore.
Father Henrici was very anxious to reach
the object of his journey, and personally
investigate whether things were just as
they had been represented, SO with only
gripssck he set out alone for his destina-
tion, He arrived in Pittsburg with the in
tention of continuing his journey to PoseY
county, Ind, where the society had
moved so as to secure advantages not
to be had at their former loca-
tion in Butler county, Pa The society
had moved to Economy the year before, as
it was not satisfied with its place in
Indiana. On arriving in Pittsburg he met
Rev. Dr. Pure, who told him that the
society he was looking for had just settled
at Economy. He was so eager TO reach his
destination that the tramp was continued
the same dav and he did not stop until
Economy was reached. After remaining
there for short time and pledsing him
self' to return, he went back to
Baltimore and rejoined his family.
He urged them to return with
him and Join the Harmony Society.
This they refused, SO after waiting for
almost year he went to Economy and
formally signifed his intention of becoming
a member. 1t so happened that there was
great need of a teacher at this time, and
George Rspp, the founder and ruler of the
society, welcomed him as one sent by
Providence.
Rapidly Rose in the Society.
After years probation, Father Henrici
was received as full member in the organ
ization. His rise to the head of his
people was rapid, and in 1S47 ne was
elected to the position he held at his death.
He had so endesred himself to his followers
by his kind advice and iudicious rulings
that he was looked upon as a father rather
than a ruler. Nothing was done without
his consent or suggestion. George Rapp,
the founder of the society, aud Jacob
Henrici, the late leader of it, are considered
as the only leaders the society has had, and
each one held his position for long time,
as the society was organized in 1903.
Father Henrici was attracted to it for its
religious views 1t taught that the Bible
advised celibacy and this was one of its
main tenets. Another was that as the body
was perishable after death nothing should
be lett behind that would indicate that
person had lived. For tins reason
no funeral ceremonies were held, no
grave marked or Likeness OF the deceased
left behind. No one was ever allowed to
photograph any of the members of the So
ciety. Father Henrici always refused to
have his photograph taken, though it is be-
lieved several likenesses of the aged leader
have been surreptitiously secured. Their
constant efforts were directed to reduce the
church to its primitive condition and they
constantly expected the coming of Christ
when they would be led to Palestine, there
to live a life of earthly bliss The once
prosperous society of 900 members has been
reduced so that there are only about 40 per-
sons who acknowledge allegiance to its be-
leFs