Traveling to Neuwied

We were invited by an previous co-worker of my father to visit the old city of Neuwied and Eirene (a multifaith, pacifist organization that sends mostly young persons to volunteer for a year in another country), and learn about the Mennonites who have settled here.

This building is now an city art museum, but in 1768 the Mennonites started worshiping here.  In 1653 the Graf von Wied invited Mennonites, Jews, and Protestants to come to this Catholic town.  He had them build their churches and synagogue  in close proximity to his castle for his protection.  This summer there will be an exhibit here to celebrate the 250 years Mennonites used this building.  

Btw a Graf still lives in the castle across the street!  The castle is a private residence and can't be toured.  We just stepped into the gate!  

Nowadays there are four or five Mennonite congregations, two Mennonite Brethren and two Mennonite.  Each functions fairly autonomously and there is little interaction.  

At Eirene we talked with the friendly employees and learned a bit more about their work.  Mostly stories about my father were told.

The city of Neuwied wants to put such plaques in many parts of the city.  Do you recognize the symbols of the main religions, which form the angel?

We spent the night in a Mennonite home and appreciated visiting with this lovely family.  Ask us about their story.

An added bonus was that we got to tutor at an Asyl Cafe and I met Surji from Somalia, while Jack worked at beginner German with a woman from Afghanistan.