1916, USA, Wrought Iron Memorial Cross from a German Immigrant Cemetery
first half 20th C
metal
180 x 53 cm
1661
The wrought-iron grave cross belonged to a German immigrant who settled in the US. The deceased person, a cutter from Nörtling (Nordlingen in the catholic region of Bavaria?), listened to the name Kristof. Under the feet of the crucified Christ is a medallion with a floral motif that can be opened with a hinge. When opened, one can read: “Hier ruht Kristof Theo(…) vlg. Schneïder in Nör(t)ling geb. 5.October 1864 gestorben 10. August 1916” (“Kristof Theo(...) rests here, cutter in Nör(t)ling, born on October 5, 1864 and died on August 10, 1916”). The German immigrants in the United States remained faithful to their language, which this memorial cross also testifies. The German unification and the politics of Otto von Bismarck brought about emigration. Von Bismarck’s laws and regulations were not favourable to the Catholics. First, he annulled papal jurisdiction over German Catholics, fined German bishops and finally abolished religious orders. During the period 1865-1900, no less than 700,000 Germans emigrated to the United States. Thirty-five per cent of these emigrants were Catholics.
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