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of ‘the abilities of other learned ‘gentlemen in this section to state that Mr. ‘BORCHERS is the most thoroughly educated man in Jackson county. He is complete master of six different languages, namely.: German French, English, Latin, Greek and Hebrew. He not only reads, writes and speaks those languages accurately and fluently, but translates: ‘them with a rapidity and profi ciency that is truly astonishing. Mr. Borchers was’ born in the Kingdom of Hanover, ’ in Germany, and was educated in the leading universities of that county. His first intention was to educate himself for the medical profession, and had made some progress in his studies to that end, when ‘his grandmother, upon her death-bed, made a request of his parents that he‘be educated for the ministry. This was a more disap pointment to the then young Henry, who already had pictured in his mind’s eye the honor and fame which in future years would emblazon the name of Doctor HENRY Borchers. But the parents’ will was law in Germany then, even as it is now, and he could do no less than yield obedience to the wishes of his parents. He immediately commenced the pursuit of his theological studies, and in due course of time graduated with high honors. When yet a very young man, he received a call from the President of Cambridge University, in Massachusetts, in this coun try, as teacher of French, Latin, German, Greek and Hebrew. He accepted the offer, and immediately embarked for America. When he arrived in Baltimore, he learned that the President of Cambridge University was one of the ill-fated victims of a disaster which had befallen a sailing vessel a few days before, and that as a consequence his situation in that institution would be lost to him. Upon hearing this intelligence, Mr. Borchers determined to return to Germany, but he desired before returning to see the capital of the United States. He went to Washington City. There he met a few German friends, who, learning from him that he had completed his theological studies, and had been duly licensed in his native country to preach, organized a school for him, and also employed him to preach for them. The Synod was then in session at Gettysburg, Pa., whither he hastened, and after the usual examination was or dained as a minister of the Lutheran Church. He remained in Washington two years, when he received a call from another quarter. He at length was called to take charge of a very large congregation at Lan caster, Ohio, from which point he came to Jackson county, Indiana, in the year 1858. It has always seemed strange to us that so learned a gentleman and so able a min ister is content to remain in so remote a place as the White Creek region, in charge of a congregation limited in numbers, and as a consequence unable to pay such a sala ry as his abilities and merits would com mand in more favored localities. We are enabled to give the circumstances which in duced Mr. Borne HeErs to resign his lucrative situation at Lancaster, Ohio, and take charge of Saint Paul’s German Lutheran Church in Jackson county. While at Lan caster, he was written to by a member of St. Paul’s Church, requesting him to send a minister to take charge of the congregation. Mr. Borcuers found two ministers, both of whom seemed anxious for the situation. That he might send a man adapted to the wants of the congregation, he visited White Creek himself, and while there preached a sermon in the old Church. After the ser vices, as he was standing in the altar, the leading members approached him, and im portuned him to send them a minister with out fail. He informed them that he had already the consent of two, one of whom he would send on at an early day. “ Will you promise us, Mr. Borchers,” said one of the prominent members, “ that, in case neither of the two ministers you speak of will come, you will come yourself, and take charge of our Church.” Entertaining no doubt of the willingness of the two minis ters to accept the call, he promptly an swered, “To promise you in this altar that if they will not come, I wilCOME MYSELF.” He returned to Lancaster, and to his utter astonishment both of the ministers informed him they had re-considered the matter, and that they would not accept the churce v at White Creek. “Mr. Borcuxas remembered his promise. . He resigned his charge “at Lancaster, and in a few weeks “more the members of ‘St. Paul’s German Lutheran Church congratulated themselves upon the ii aréd’ the'gerv bread, but ‘generally he had, “to hungry, or else avail himself, of i m venient orchard or friendly turnip, or potato patch to appease his hunger. Since Mr. Roncuers took charge of the White Creek Church, he has received calls from some of the strongest and wealthiest congregations in the country, but his flock of faithful followers will not allow him to entertain any thought of leaving them. He is not only their spiritual guide and advisor, but he is their physician also. He follows the homeopathic system of medical treatment, in which he has been remarka bly successful. In addition to his other duties, Mr. Borneuers teaches the parochial school, and also the common school of that district.
Newspaper Details
Brownstown Banner
Brownstown, Indiana, US
Thu, Sep 26, 1872
Page 5
Full Page
Clipped by
Brandon S.
USA 28 Jul 2026
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