This week in Christian history: Brother Van dies, Social Gospel supporter born, Moravian leader
Important Moravian Church leader ordained - December 19, 1734
This week marks the anniversary of when Count Nicolaus von Zinzendorf, a prominent German leader in the Moravian community, was ordained as a pastor in the Lutheran Church.
Count von Zinzendorf’s ordination gave him further authority to oversee the influential Moravian community in the German town of Herrnhut.
“His ordination was the fulfillment of a dream and a way to protect the community he loved,” wrote historians Geoff and Janet Benge.
“Now he could shelter the Herrnhut community from accusations of being anti-Lutheran. He could also perform all of the offices of a state-appointed minister, baptizing, marrying, burying, and serving communion.”
