The morning call., 1892-11-01
LUTHER'S MEMORY HONORED
Imposing Ceremonies in the Town Of
Wittenberg.
RECONSTRUCTED CHURCH DEDICATED.
The German Emperor and the Protestant Princes
Of the Empire Take Part in The
Proceedings.
Special to THE MORNING CALL.

WrTTENBERG. Oct 31.-This old;town OF
pointed gables, quaint towers and narrow
streets to-day presents q unique aspect.
Every where bright banners and floral fes-
toons are seen. The whole town bears a
holiday appearance. A great pavilion has
been built at the front of the Sehlosskirche
doors, where the Emperor will receive the
Keys OF the edfce. This church, COM
menced In 1439 was finished in 1899. In
1760 il was seriously injured by fire during
bombardment, and suffered in the same
manner in 1914, but was finally rebuilt in
1917.
On the north side were the wooden doors
to which Luther affixed his theses. These
doors were burned in 1850, but were replaced
in 1858 by bronze doors, ten feet in height,
presented by Frederick William ". They
bear the original Latin text of Luther's
theses. Above on a golden ground is a
representation of Christ. with Luther and
Melancthon at his feet. On the right and
left, above the doors. are the statues of the
Electors, Frederick the Wise and Johu Con-
stant. The bodies OF these Electors were
buried in the church.
Everywhere in town are evidences Of the
great reI0rmer. Not far from ;he railway
stliioD, outside Elster Thor, stands an oak,
planted IN 1880. This tree is said 10 mark
the spot where Luther publicly burned the
Papai bull on December 10, 1920 This spot
Is SAID 10 have been selected Tor the pur-
pose by Luther because here were buried
the clothing or those who died from the
plague.
In the Collegeien Strasse is the Angus
teun, IN the court of which stands Luther's
house. The first floor is fitted up rs Luther
halle and contains many articles that be-
longed 10 Luther. In the yestibule there
are number OF paintings representing
scenes in Lpther's life. In the market
place stands statue of Luther under
GCthic canopy. The base bears the iuscrip-
tion: lists Gottes Werk so wird's bestehn:
lists Menschen Werk wird's uDtergehn" Qfit
be Gods work lt Will endure; II mans work
1t will psrsh). Under a brazen slab ia the
SchioSskirche lie the remains OF Luther.
Immense crowds of people from all parts
OF the country are in town 10 witness the
ceremony Of the rededicatiOn.
Emperor William. the Empress and three
OF their sons started from FOtsdam This
morning Tor Witienberg, where they took
part in the rededication of the restored
church, TO the doors of which Luther nailed
his famous theses against PaDal indulg-
enees. The royal party were accompanied
10y the Duke of York; Prince Gus;af, Grown
Prince OF Sweden; Prince Albrecht, Regent
OF Brunswick; Duke Of Oidenburg Prince
OF SAKE Meinlngen and Chancellor Won
Caprivi.
Upon the arrival Of the imperial party at
the railway-station they were welcomed by
Prince Stolberg -Wernigerodp, who con-
Quoted them 10 the Town Hall Tie whole
route was lined with troops. The Emperor
walked the entire distance, and the crowd
shouted and cheered enthu siastically. Tie
imperial party was received at tile Town
Rall by the BuTgOmaster. who on behalf OF
the municipal authorities lie read an ad-
dress to the Emperor. who responded with
thanks.
At the head of the: procession. which
formed In the marketplace, were the highest
Protestant clergy of the empire, incud-
ing the president of the Evangelical Su-
perior Council and general superintendent
OF tie Lutheran church; these were fol-
lowed by large nun Der Of cergymen Of
lesser note, then came long line of gen
erals Of the army IN full uniform and other
military officers, Ministers of state. Repre-
seniatlyes OF the Landtag aud many officials
from he civil, military and naval depart
ments; then the Protestant Princes of Ger
many with retilues, and representatives Of
Protestant foreign soyereigns.
Tie Emperor and suite brought ND the
end OF the procession and an esco.t Of
squadron Of cavalry.
As soon as the order was given for the
procession 10 move the church bells began
10 peal merTily, while the strains of "Eine
Feste Burg" broke forth from the instru-
ments. TrumpeteIs were stationed ia tile
towers OF the castle church.
when the Emperor William arrived at
the door OF the church Professor Adler,
architect Of the restored ed fee, presented
the key to MS Majesty, who, with few gra-
ciOus words, handed it to the president of
the church council The latter In turn
handed the key to DIR. Quandt, pastor of the
church, saying: "By command Of the EN-
peror. the protector and high architect of
this house of God, ana in virtue Of my
Office, deliver TO you, as an ordained min
S.CT # rn .ff
enter through the door which this key opens
enter the gate of heaven"
DR.. Quandt then opened the door and the
Emperor and his train passed through AS
the imperial party entered the church the
congregation arose and sang the hynn,
Tome. Holy Ghost. our God" When the
imperial party had taken the seats assigned
them Dr.. ShaltZ-, leader Of the church in
Saxony, opened the services. DIR. Yieregge
the court CHAPLAIN, preached a sermon, TAX
taking his text from Romans hi: %. being
justified freely by his grace through re-
demptlon that is In Christ Jesus"
Upon the conclusion of the services the
Imperial party drove TO LutheT's house.
where the Emperor signed the deed of dedi-
cation.
From Luther's house the Emneror and
party reviewed a gorgeous historical pro-
cesslon composed Of nineteen groups Ilus-
trating the foundation and development of
Wlttenberg and the foundation of the
Rtb'pSo ohuShcs 4 Ht titfeDtH car WAS the
chief feature. 1t was emblematic of the
Reformation. On 1t was a representation
OF Martin Luther. surrounded by his ad-
herents. Behind the car rode five leaders of
the famous league Of Schmalkald. who
founded NttenbuTg In 1886 10 defend the
PTotestants against Charles V.
In the afternoon there was a banquet at
which The Duke of York, who represented
Queen Victoria, was seated opposite the
Emperor. The Emperor, in his speech.
said ITO us the old church is not only a
memorial but serious admonition and ex-
preston oil the divine blessing through the
Protestant church. The confession of our
faith that We made to-day in the presanee
OF God bluds US and the whole OF Christen-
dom.
Therein lies the bond of peace, reaching
beyond all lines of division. In the mat
ter OF faith there is no eompulsion A
Tree conviction Of the heart and decisive
acknowledgment thereof is the blessed fruit
OF the Reformation. We Pfotestants make
feud with Eobody on account of belief, but
we hold last our faith In the gospel"
The Emperor then thanked the German
Princes and The Protestant sovereigus of
Europe Tor taking part In the festival. He
concluded by raising the cup that Witten-
berg had presented to Luther on tho occa-
sion of his wedding. This cup" he said.
'once touched Luther's lips. 1t shall serve
me 10 drink 10 the welfare of my ilustrious
guests. Long life 10 the Protestant Princes
OF Germany and the governments of the
German free towns"
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