An event organized by the Stralsund Historical Society (Stralsunder Geschichtsverein e.V.) in cooperation with the Society for Pomeranian History, Archaeology, and Art (Gesellschaft für pommersche Geschichte, Altertumskunde und Kunst e.V.) and the V-R District Adult Education Center.
Speaker: Christoph Freiherr von Houwald, Stralsund
“The Protestant Church and World War I: The Case of Stralsund”
“God with us”—that was the motto of the Prussian royal house. Since 1847, it had been engraved on the belt buckles that were part of the uniforms of Prussian soldiers. The soldiers from Stralsund, too, went off to war during World War I under the blessing and prayers of the Protestant Church. At the same time, there are examples here as well of “mental mobilization” by Protestant theologians. And finally, church institutions sought to alleviate the hardship faced by soldiers’ families in need. Using the example of Dr. Hornburg, then superintendent of Stralsund, and other representatives of a Protestant-influenced nationalism, the lecture provides insight into the thoughts, feelings, and actions of Protestant clergy in Stralsund at the outbreak of war and throughout the course of the conflict.
Admission is free for members of both associations (guests: €7.50). Due to limited seating, advance registration with the VHS Stralsund is strongly recommended.
