Can a simple stone truly capture a lifetime of dedication? Here at the Johann Hinrich Wichern Stone, we ponder that very question. This stone commemorates Johann Hinrich Wichern, a man who dedicated his life to helping the poor and neglected children of Hamburg. The Johann Hinrich Wichern Stone stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment.
Johann Hinrich Wichern, born in Hamburg in 1808, witnessed poverty firsthand. He became a theologian and missionary, traveling throughout Germany to establish schools and homes for the needy. The Johann Hinrich Wichern Stone serves as a reminder of his widespread impact.
At the young age of 25, Wichern founded the Rauhes Haus (Rough House) in Hamburg. This wasn’t a traditional orphanage or reformatory. It was a place where neglected children could experience a family environment. Wichern’s innovative approach to childcare is still relevant today. This is the very spot where the Rauhes Haus once stood, marked by the Johann Hinrich Wichern Stone.
As Christmas approached one year at the Rauhes Haus, the children grew impatient. Wichern, ever resourceful, devised a solution. In 1839, he created the first Advent wreath. The Johann Hinrich Wichern Stone reminds us of this simple yet profound act.
Wichern’s original Advent wreath was a large cartwheel. It held four large white candles for the Sundays of Advent and smaller red candles for the weekdays. Each day, a new candle was lit, marking the countdown to Christmas. The Johann Hinrich Wichern Stone serves as a symbol of this tradition’s humble beginnings.
The Advent wreath tradition evolved. Fir greenery was added around 1860. By the early 20th century, Advent wreaths became commonplace in Protestant churches and homes. The Johann Hinrich Wichern Stone stands in quiet tribute to the man who started it all. He would later become inspector of prisons and a member of the Supreme Ecclesiastical Council. He passed away in Hamburg in 1881. The Johann Hinrich Wichern Stone ensures his legacy lives on.