George A. Wenzel

REV. GEORGE A. WENZEL, D. D., pastor of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Washington, is a native of Bavaria, Germany, born January 11, 1816, in the town of Dittlofsrod, in the circle of UnterFranken, a son of Daniel and Anna Maria Wenzel. While a youth he came to America, and on landing proceeded at once to western Pennsylvania, where for a time he worked at whatever employment suggested itself.

His inclinations to study being strong, and being possessed of a proper ambition. he entered Jefferson College, at Canonsburg, where he became a close student of science and mathematics. He took special interest in metaphysics, besides other branches, including music. His urbanity of manner, frankness of character, and innate modesty while at college, made him a favorite with both the president, Dr. Brown, and the students. He was one of the most prominent members of the Philo Literary Society, a ready and close reasoners and an impressive speaker, enunciating the English language with a fluency and accuracy truly surprising for a foreigner. In 1840 he graduated, and immediately entered upon the study of theology in connection with the Lutheran Church. In 1843 he was licensed to preach, and though but yet a young man, his services were in constant demand, the best churches of the Lutheran denomination being open to him. In 1844 he was ordained as a minister of the Gospel, since when he has occupied pulpits in Northampton, Montgomery, Warren and Lehigh counties, also in the cities of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington, Penn., and for the past ten years has been pastor of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Washington. Some years since he received the well-merited degree of D. D. On June 28, 1844, Mr. Wenzel was united in marriage with Miss R. B. McAffee, of Canonsburg, Penn. There are no children. The Doctor, though busily occupied in ministerial work, has found time to give lessons in German, to write for the religious press and to translate a number of German books into English. He enjoys the respect and esteem of a wide circle of friends, endeared to them by his Christian walk in life.