Lost in thought, Samuel David Roller pondered his future. Here stands the Pastor-Roller-Kirche. It is named in his honor. Let me tell you about this remarkable man and the church that commemorates him.
Samuel David Roller served as a pastor in Lausa from 1811 until his death in 1850. Lausa is now part of Weixdorf. The church is also known as Lausaer Kirche or Weixdorfer Kirche. In 1939, the church was officially named Pastor-Roller-Kirche. This recognized his importance to the village.
Roller was more than just a pastor. He was a pedagogue and a prolific hymn writer. He significantly impacted the community. Ludwig Richter described Roller as well-known in Protestant circles. Even young people today are drawn to his personality.
Before coming to Lausa, Roller was a private tutor. He also ran a boys’ school in Dresden. Theodor Körner was one of his students. Before Lausa, he briefly served as a parish priest in Döbernitz. Burggraf Dohna brought him to Hermsdorf in 1811. Dohna had to clarify Lausa’s location wasn’t in Poland or Sweden.
Roller was a man of diverse talents. He wrote a “Spielschule” for young children. This was to educate their five senses. He wrote about dealing with harmful fruit pests. Roller also helped those with epilepsy. He used a unique remedy involving roasted magpies. He compiled a new hymnal for his church. He assisted winegrowers with pruning.
Ludwig Richter recalled Roller’s character. He said Roller was serious in his duties. He also had a childlike innocence and humor in conversation. Roller held peculiar beliefs. He thought walking on the inner side of spiral staircases saved distance. He disliked white tablecloths. He believed fibers harmed digestion. He considered new highways detrimental to communication. He jokingly threatened to squash his cantor like a flea if he misbehaved. Once invited for a spoonful of soup, he ate only one spoonful. Nothing could convince him to have more.
Despite his eccentricities, Roller was a devout theologian. Countess von Dohna recommended him. She suggested him to the Kügelgen family for their sons’ confirmation. Wilhelm von Kügelgen beautifully described his time in Lausa. He memorialized Roller in his memoirs. He portrayed Roller as a steadfast figure. He depicted him like a rock from creation. He noted his apostolic presence and caring gaze.
The Pastor-Roller-Kirche stands as a testament to Roller’s legacy. The church and its cemetery are under historical preservation. The site includes a war memorial and a Luther lime tree. A Dohna oak tree is a protected natural monument. The church’s interior was renovated in 1912. Hermann, a local painter, created the paintings on the galleries. The church underwent major repairs from 1986 to 1989.
The Pastor-Roller-Kirche is more than stones. It is a reminder of a man who touched many lives. He was a pastor, teacher, and friend. He left a lasting impact on this community.