Friday, March 20, 2009

Uncle Edward Schoenfeld - A Witness to a Divine Manifestation

A DIVINE MANIFESTATION
The L.D.S. Biographical Encyclopedia related the incident as follows: "On the night of October 14, 1855, the three Elders - Franklin D. Richards, William Budge, and William H. Kimball - Dr. Maeser, Edward Schoenfeldt, and some others, repaired to the banks of the Elbe, in which river Dr. Maeser was baptized by Apostle Richards. It was the first baptism in Saxony in this dispensation. After performing the baptism, the party started back toward the home of Dr. Maeser. The only Elder who could speak German was William Budge, and the conversation was carried on between Apostle Richards and Dr. Maeser , with Elder Budge acting as interpreter. The colloquy had not proceeded far, however, when Apostle Richards told Elder Budge it was not necessary for him to interpret anymore, as he and 'Brother Maeser understand each other perfectly.' Brother Schoenfeldt related that it was a very dark night, and when he first realized that the two men were conversing together with perfect facility, yet neither understood the native tongue of the other, his feelings were indescribable, for he knew that it was a divine manifestation. Dr. Maeser in later years testified that when he emerged from the water, he prayed that his faith might be confirmed by some manifestation from heaven, and he felt confident that his prayer would be answered." (1:708)

At a banquet given in honor of the venerable educator in 1892 (Brother Maeser was then head of Brigham Young Academy in Provo, Utah), Grandfather Richards referred to the baptismal incident and said: "Brother Maeser, how blessed it was that the gift of tongues and interpretation was given to us; it always caused me joy. Brother Maeser did not know English, and I did not know German, but I could speak with him and he with me. The spirit wrought with us and filled us with faith."

(I felt sure that even though there is an extra "t" at the end of Schoenfeld that this was our Edward, When checking family records it is most certain that this is the case, as Edward was born in Saxony and his Baptismal date is 14 Oct 1855, it is also possible that he, as well as Dr. Maeser, was Baptised by Apostle Franklin D. Richards. It would be interesting for check that out.)
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!This story from "Chronicles of Courage" by the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. Vol. 1. 979.2 - Found at the South Jordan Library. Dau Printed by Utah Printing Company, Copyright 1990. Pgs.120 & 121.
Here is my lineage from Frederick and Edward
Fredrick William Schoenfeld - brother of Edward Schoenfeld
:
John Edward Schoenfeld
:
John Raymond Schoenfeld
:
Gwen Loreene Schoenfeld Clawson
:
Alicia Lynne Clawson Robbins
(Now you will be able to figure out where you fit in ;-)
BYUTV did a documentary about this event. It was really great, I taped it on VHSand hopefully one day they will make it available on a DVD. I spoke to them about doing it but they don't currently have a plan to do it.

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