By Sam Miller, Contributing Writer
An exhibit in honor the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation was held with guest speakers to showcase a historical bible and other artifacts on Oct. 28 in the BloughWeis Library.
The event was held in the Jane Conrad Apple Rare Books Room, with more artifacts on display on the first floor of the library, such as books that illustrate Pennsylvanian German Lutherans’ traditions and beliefs as well as their assimilation into the U.S. The books were all donated by benefactors who attended the event to celebrate the opening of the exhibit.
One of the most notable books on display is the second complete edition of Martin Luther’s writings that were published in Germany between 1555 and 1558. The exhibit also contains artifacts that include a small catechism and prayer book that belonged to Ludwig Albrecht Wilhelm Ilgen.
Ilgen is said to have been a Hessian, a German mercenary who fought alongside the British during the Revolutionary War. The prayer book was brought over from Bavaria when Ilgen moved to Pennsylvania and was based on Martin Luther’s writings. Ilgen was a pastor for 23 years at the Elias Lutheran Church in Mifflinburg, which was repurposed into the Mifflinburg Center for Performing Arts in 2005.
Meg Garnett, the Blough-Weis Library Special Collections Librarian, said she could “feel the imprints where Ilgen held onto his prayer book.” “It’s a remarkable feeling to hold a piece of history,” Garnett added. The display will be up for the next few weeks and is open to the public.
