John Fredrick Handschub
John Fredrick Handschub [1]
was the fifth of the earlier ministers sent from Halle to America to labor among the German population, and to build up the Redeemer's kingdom in this Western hemisphere. He was born of honorable and pious parentage in Halle Jan. 14, 1714. He was educated at the university, and set apart to the work of the ministry in 1744. He commenced his duties in the large and laborious parish of Graba, and labored with great success. But when he heard of the spiritual destitution of his brethren in America. and lead their earnest appeals, his sympathies were strongly awakened, and he earnestly desired to go to their relief. He landed in Philadelphia April 5,1748, and was welcomed at the Trappe by Dr. Muhlenberg with the salutation, "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." He was placed at Lancaster, Pa., where he labored for several years with great success. The congregation increased, and under his direction a flourishing school was established and sustained. "Our school," he says, "consists of English, Irish, and Germans, Lutherans and Reformed; and so anxious are the people to have their children instructed, that it is impossible to receive all who apply for admission." He subsequently took charge of the churches at New Providence and Hanover, and thence was transferred to Germantown, Pa.. and subsequently to Philadelphia, where he died Oct. 9, 1764. (M. L. S.)
