M. Obrecht obit (Nov 28)

This is an old newspaper clipping from the papers of Jacob Obrecht [copy courtesy PK]. Any context or clues to dates, locations, or people are greatly appreciated.

This obituary may be for the father of Jacob Obrecht, which would date the clipping to about 1920 or before.



Kuenheim, Nov. 28. Tolerance — Today M. Obrecht, highly regarded field laborer who suddenly died of a heart attack, was buried by the whole community. Since 1866 M. Obrecht had belonged to the Evangelical Society, and holy services were held in his home; therefore the funeral festivities were not led by the village priest, but instead by a preacher from the Evangelical Society. In permitting this the village priest gave a beautiful example of true Christian tolerance, and although it was unprecedented, did not lead the funeral procession alone, and allowed bells to be rung at the grave. The village priest made a good impression by permitting this, after which the preacher gave a impressive speech on the heart's passage from mourning to consolation, approached the open grave, and gave a funeral address, drawing to a close with the idea that we are all Christian and that we seek and adore only Christ our Savior.

[translation courtesy CH]