KDB Rheno-Guestphalia zu Bonn im RKDB

Founded in a whirlwind of change, the KDB Rheno-Guestphalia zu Bonn im RKDB stands before you. Its story began on October 26, 1909, with the birth of the Akademisch-Wissenschaftlichen Vereins Renaissance. This organization, evolving through time, eventually became the KDB Rheno-Guestphalia zu Bonn im RKDB. Renaissance, rooted in the 1892 Akademischen Görres-Verein (AGV) in Munich, initially embraced non-colored traditions. Members sported gold-white-green color pins, living by the motto “Fides lux scientia.” The tumultuous years following World War I saw Renaissance navigate shifting political landscapes. In 1927, a pivotal shift occurred. Renaissance joined the Ring Katholischer Deutscher Burschenschaften (RKDB) and adopted colors, choosing blue-white-green. The name changed to KDB Rheinstein, embracing the RKDB’s emphasis on pan-German ideals. The KDB Rheno-Guestphalia zu Bonn im RKDB as we know it emerged on June 12, 1948. This marked a fusion with KDB Novesia zu Köln. The newly formed fraternity established its home in Bonn, dedicating itself to national and social causes. The KDB Rheno-Guestphalia zu Bonn im RKDB actively championed the re-establishment of the RKDB alongside KDB Sigfridia zu Bonn. Interestingly, a brief period saw the inclusion of Protestant members in the late 1940s. However, this led to internal conflict, as the older members upheld the principle of Catholicism. The Protestant members subsequently left, forming the Evangelischen Deutschen Burschenschaft (EDB) Cheruskia Bonn in 1949. The KDB Rheno-Guestphalia zu Bonn im RKDB has called several locations home throughout its history. From “Im Krug zum Grünen Kranze” to “Im Goldenen Löwen” and the “Berliner Hof,” each place holds a piece of the fraternity’s story. In 1958, the Hausverein Rheno-Guestphalie e. V. was established to secure a permanent home. This led to the acquisition of the building you see before you at Meckenheimer Allee 100 in 1968. The fraternity’s journal, Vivat!, has chronicled its journey since 1948. The KDB Rheno-Guestphalia zu Bonn im RKDB’s history is intertwined with prominent figures, shaping not just the fraternity but also the wider community. Their stories add another layer to the rich tapestry of this unique organization.