Today
we remember and give thanks for J. K. Wilhelm Loehe, Pastor. Although he never left Germany, Johann Konrad Wilhelm Loehe, born in
Fuerth in 1808, had a profound impact on the development of Lutheranism in
North America. Serving as pastor in the Bavarian village
of Neuendettelsau, he recognized the
need for workers in developing lands and assisted in training emergency helpers
to be sent as missionary pastors to North America, Brazil,
and Australia.
A number of the men he sent to the United States became founders of
The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. Through his financial support, a
theological school was established in Fort Wayne,
Ind., and a teachers' institute in Saginaw, Mich.
Loehe was known for his confessional integrity and his interest in liturgy and
catechesis. His devotion to works of Christian charity led to the establishment
of a deaconess training house and homes for the aged.
Collect
of the Day
Heavenly
Father, Shepherd of your people, we thank you for your servant Wilhelm, who was
faithful in the care and nurturing of your flock; and we pray that, following
his example and the teaching of his life, we may by your grace grow into the
stature of the fullness of our Lord; through Jesus
Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and forever.
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