[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 131 (Wednesday, September 7, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     COMMEMORATING THE 300TH BIRTHDAY OF HENRY MELCHIOR MUHLENBERG

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                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 7, 2011

  Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join The Lutheran 
Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, the Evangelical Lutheran Church 
in America, and the Franke Foundations of Halle, Germany and Muhlenberg 
College of Allentown, in commemorating the 300th anniversary of the 
birth of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg.
  Henry Melchior Muhlenberg was born in Einbeck, Germany on September 
6th, 1711. In 1742, the Franke Foundations of Halle (Germany) sent 
Muhlenberg to be pastor of congregations in Pennsylvania, located in 
Philadelphia, Trappe and New Hanover. In 1748, Muhlenberg organized the 
Pennsylvania Ministerium, the first Lutheran denomination in the New 
World. Through his writings and works, Muhlenberg became the most 
influential German-American Lutheran clergyman in colonial America, 
establishing or assisting congregations throughout the region. One of 
his sons, John Peter Gabriel, served as a Revolutionary War general and 
another, Frederick Augustus, as the first speaker of the U.S. House of 
Representatives.
  Today, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg's legacy continues through the 
nearly 4,000 persons The Lutheran Theological Seminary has trained for 
the public ministry throughout the United States and around the world. 
With a current enrollment of over 350 students from thirty Christian 
denominations, LTSP is a major educational institution in the 
Philadelphia region and continues to celebrate its ties to the 
Muhlenberg tradition.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in celebrating 
the life and accomplishments of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg on the 
occasion of the 300th anniversary of his birth and to extend best 
wishes to The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Franke Foundations of 
Halle, Germany and Muhlenberg College of Allentown on this celebratory 
occasion.

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