The record-union., 1893-11-11
WARTBURG CASTLE.
One of the Historic Features of the
FatherIand.
Scenes Along the Rhine and Some In
cidents in the Life of Martin
Luther.

A large audience gathered last night at
the German Lutheran Church, corner of
Twelfth and X streets, to enjoy the illus
trated lecture on Luther and the Wart-
burg" Rev. Mr.. Oehler, the lecturer,
proved to be quite an interesting speaker
and held the closest attention of his hear
ers during the time, of very nearly two
hours. He also proved to be thoroughly
posted on the subject of the evening. and
seemed to be quite at home in the old
castle, the Wartburg, as well as in the
history of the Reformation.
This lecture differed from others, mas
much as there were not the usual bewil
dering amount of views presented to the
eyes, through which those in attendance
get confused and do not get the true BEN
eft of the lecture. There were between
fifty and sixty stereopticon views pre-
sented, and the lecturer took time enough
to give each one an ample explanation.
After showing some good views in and
about New York City, Mr.. Oehler took
his hearers on an ocean steamer and
lifted the anchors for Europe. This jour
ney through the waves of the ocean he
shortened with the recital of some inter-
esting incidents which occurred to him.
self while making that trip about six
years ago. A sailing vessel was sighted,
which seemed to be in great distress.
When they came nearer to 1t 1t proved to
be a storm-beaten, damaged vessel, una
bic to use the sails, because they were
torn off in a terrific storm. Boats were
lowered and the occupants were rescued
by the brave seamen.
After reaching the city of Amsterdam,
Holland, the lecturer proceeded to travel
up the Rhine. He stopped at Cologue
and paid visit to the celebrated CaJhe
dral. probably the most magnificent
structure of the gothic style of architect
ure in the world.
After several other stops views we've
versity city of Germany. Here the great
Heidelberg Castle drew the attention of the
hearers. In it is the celebrated Heide1-
berg tun, which holds $4,000 gallons.
Then some funny views were enjoyed,
after which the journey proceeded to the
Wartburg, near Eisenach, Thuringia.
The Wartburg is indeed lovely castle.
Situated on the top of high mountain.
1t thrones like queen, governing and
overlooking the surrounding country for
miles and miles. 1t is one of the few
historical castles of the Fatherland which
has been kept i'll almost its original state.
1t construction dates back to the eleventh
century.
This historical spot is kept sacred by
the German Protestant population, be-
cause it was there that Luther, the re-
former, found shelter and refuge behind
the strong walls of the castle. With great
accuracy Mr.. Oehler guided the attend
apce through the interior of the Wart-
burg, everywhere giving explanations of
deep historical Importance. He indeed
made his hearers feel as though they were
present at one of those medieval feasts
enjoyed by the gallant knights and their
ladies. When the greatest point of inter-
est-the room which Luther once occu-
pied-was reached, the lecturer pro-
ceeded to give a sketch of the reformer's
life. Illustrations were given, touching
Luther's childhood, his early education,
his life as monk, and the causes of his
separation from the Catholic Church.
Then were related incidents which
caused him to take refuge in the Wart-
burg. Among the last views were:
Luther on His Deathbed." Beside the
lecture, fine soprano solo was rendered
by Mrs. Lottie Schweitzer.
Altogether, those present enjoyed a
delightful evening. For the benefit of
those who understand the English lam
guage better than the German, the lecture,
with few slight changes. will be repeated
on Friday next, the 18th. Rev. Mr..
Oehler speaks English as well as Ger
man, and those attending may anticipate
an ENJOYABLE entertainment.