Spokes of the Wheel: #17 At Worship. Ancestor's Church in Germany 52 Ancestors in a Year

#17 At Worship Ancestor’s Church in Germany 52 Ancestors in a Year

One of the items I inherited in the family genealogy collection, was the history of my 2nd great grandfather, Peter Paul Deewall, written by his daughter, Mary Etta Deewall Kurtz. (my great grandmother).

The history was written only about Peter’s life in Pennsylvania, how he left Germany but nothing of his parents or life in Germany. Peter has always intrigued me as there was no information before he arrived in Pennsylvania. Researching, I found census records and as well as his declaration of intent and naturalization information through the Lycoming County Genealogical Society. He was naturalized in 2 October 1852, stating that he had arrived in 1842 from the Kingdom of Brist. I could never find the Kingdom of Brist nor could I find his name on a passenger list. A tip from a familysearch.org search led me to further research, but using different ideas and names. Finding him on a passenger list in 1842, was a huge triumph! The name was Peter Paul Duval and he and his traveling group left from LeHavre in May of 1842, arriving in New York on May 23rd, 1842. The group he was traveling with were mentioned in his life history. The tip which led me to continue research was the confirmation of his “best friend” at church in Ludweiler, which led me to find Peter Paul’s birth, baptism and confirmation. In Ludweiler, Saarland, Germany! (current name is Ludweiler-Warndt). Information on films from the Family History Library led me to learn the names of his parents. As well as when the group left for Amerika.

Ludweiler is near the French border and in a forest and mining area. The Hugenots began immigrating to the area in 1604. The landmark is the Hugenottenkirche, built in 1785. The current church had some new construction in the 1960’s.

On our next trip to Germany in 2015 to visit our son and his wife & grandson, came with a request from Mom—can we please go to Ludweiler??? It was quite a distance from where he lived, and we stayed overnight in Saarbücken.

The next morning driving into Ludweiler-Warndt was mind blowing. I couldn't imagine I was actually going to ancestor's village and church in Germany. When we saw the church where Peter Paul had worshipped it was intimidating and exciting to think I was on the same ground as my 2nd great grandfather walked in 1842!

My husband & I walked to the door of the church, which was slightly ajar.

We were not sure of protocol, but peeked inside. Inside were several women working, probably preparing for the next day’s Sunday service. The lady that came to meet us could not speak English, and we could not speak German. But I had my research material and showed her the confirmation information, as well as baptism and birth; she understood Konfirmation!

She was elated that a “relative” had come and quickly ushered us into the archives. Although we couldn’t touch a thing, I could take pictures. None of the original records were there though. She was not sure where they have been taken. (or we couldn’t understand each other)

She insisted that she would give us a tour and lovingly showed off the organ that had recently been refurbished. It was 150 years old! She inquired if we would be in church the next day, but we couldn’t stay. I was disappointed too. I never considered that we would be welcomed for church.

The Pipe Organ