Weekly Witness

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Weekly Witness

J.C.F. Heyer was born in Germany, but sent to America in 1807 at age 13 to escape the turmoil of Napoleon’s wars. He entered the ministry and preached the gospel throughout Pennsylvania and as far west as Missouri. He was active in establishing Sunday schools and in the work of Gettysburg College and Seminary. At age 48 he traveled to India and eventually established mission stations at Guntur, Gurzal and Rajamundry, which became the basis of the large Lutheran Church in the area today. He returned to America in 1857 and worked to organize parishes and schools in Minnesota and the neighboring states, becoming president of the new Synod of Minnesota in 1860. He died at age 81 in Philadelphia. Father Heyer is remembered as a pastor, teacher, missionary and leader of the church.