Photo Gallery

Throughout the process of this research project, many different artifacts, documents, and photographs were found that each presented a unique aspect of this story. As you scroll down, you will find small bits of the story of Lutheran World Federation Service to Refugees (LWF-SR) work in Germany and the lives of both the workers and the “Churches in Exile.” Appreciate each piece for what it is: one perspective out of many in this history.

Some tips on navigating this page:

Above you can find a menu separating this page into different types of photos/items. Click on each one to be directed to the section in which they belong. You are also welcome to simply scroll through each section of this page. 

Each photo can be enlarged by clicking on it and here you will also find a caption for each photo, giving a bit more context. 

Lutheran World Federation Service to Refugees 1947-1949 Photographic Section Front Cover, found in the Rare Books Room at St. Olaf College (LWF-PS)

Everyday Valuables

Exhibiting life in Displaced Persons camps as well as the offices of Lutheran World Federation Service to Refugee workers, this section acts as a small glimpse into their everyday life. Art was created. Lamps were burned. Books were lovingly with photos. Bibles were put into hands. Each artifact holds a snippet of what this story actually, physically looked like to those that lived it.

Calcium carbide lamp used by Howard Hong in Germany to continue working when the electricity periodically went out (EH).

Calcium Carbide Lamp owned by Dr. Howard Hong (left)

Used in Howard Hong’s office, likely in Weinheim-Bergstraße, this calcium carbide lamp lit the LWF-SR paperwork Hong completed as spiritual ministry director and senior representative in Germany. Carbide lamps like these are powered by the reaction of calcium carbide (CaC2) with water (H2O). This reaction produces acetylene gas (C2H2), which burns a clean, white flame. In the end, they became a very cost-effective way to produce light into the long evening hours of LWF-SR work. 

Lent to St. Olaf College German Department and allowed to be photographed by Erik Hong, son of Howard and Edna Hong.

Latvian Bible (Bībele) (right)

This beautifully engraved Bible was printed entirely in Latvian in Helsinki, Finland in 1948. Its publisher, British and Foreign Bible Society, was known to print Bibles in many languages and for many people, including Latvian displaced Lutherans. They were also known to occasionally work with LWF-SR workers to print and distribute Bibles to displaced congregations or the “Churches in Exile.” A significant amount of the work of LWF-SR focused on providing materials and support for services and religious life in displaced persons camps and this meant putting translated Bibles in the hands of Lutherans in need. 

Donated by John Plume to St. Olaf College. 

Memory Album of Ventis Plume (below)

Ventis Plume, Latvian displaced person who lived in displaced persons camp Insula, was initially given this “wartime log” as a gift from the YMCA in the late 40s. In this log, he placed many photographs of his life in Insula as well as many messages from friends and family there. This album provides an elaborate and personal glimpse into Plume’s life in Germany as well as what life looked like for displaced families. 

Donated to St. Olaf College by Ventis’ brother, John Plume, also a former resident of Insula. 

Donated by John Plume, this Bible is completely in Latvian dating back to 1948. It was printed by the British and Foreign Bible Society and possibly distributed through the LWF-SR congregational care program (JP).
Gift to Ventils Plume by the YMCA, holding many memories of his time at Insula (JP).
Within the album, Plume added many pictures of life at Insula, including many cultural celebrations or activities (JP).
This painting of Berchtesgaden, Germany was painted in 1947 by Valdis Lauva (1908, Lubāna, Latvia-2000, Rochester, NY), former resident (JP).

 Watercolor Painting of Berchtesgaden 

This painting of the region of Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany, was painted in 1947 by Valdis Lauva (1908, Lubāna, Latvia-2000, Rochester, NY), former resident of the displaced persons camp at Berchtesgaden called Insula. Insula and Berchtesgaden were a safe haven for Latvian displaced persons as well as many religious leaders who studied at the Lutheran Study Center set up by LWF-SR. 

Painting donated to St. Olaf College by John Plume, also a former DP resident at Insula, and used with permission of Velta Zadins.

LWF-SR Worker Identification 1947 

Donated to the Landeskirchliches Archiv in Hannover, Germany by James Anderson, this LWF-SR worker identification was worn by different area directors, resettlement workers, congregational care personnel (those delivering care packages), and many more. One badge allowed LWF-SR workers access to different camps, resettlement centers, and at times zones, all through which they had to often move through. 

Used with permission of Landeskirchliches Archiv and Lutheran World Federation 

This patch was a way of identifying LWF-SR workers who would have to move throughout different IRO zones or camps (LAH).

People (LWF-SR Staff, Displaced Persons, and St. Olaf Connections)

LWF-SR work required a lot of aid in a variety of different contexts and skill sets as well as an understanding of who they were aiding. Below one finds both the workers and those in need. However, quickly you will realize the line can be blurred between the two, as many displaced pastors took part in the organization of programs. One also will find the beauty of cultural heritage and the persistent presence of life in the lives of displaced people here. LWF-SR was, to put it simply, not a simple organization but rather an organization with a diverse staff and diverse need.

Original Caption: "James and Elise Anderson at home in the Lutheran Study Center in the Imbshausen Castle. As organizer and hostess, they helped the Churches-in-Exile in the British Zone to establish a home and center for their spiritual training programs."

James and Elise Anderson at Home (LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "James and Elise Anderson at home in the Lutheran Study Center in the Imbshausen Castle. As organizer and hostess, they helped the Churches-in-Exile in the British Zone to establish a home and center for their spiritual training programs."
Original Caption: "Kenneth Senft, Lutheran World Federation American zone director, helps a refugee family at Nürnberg."

Kenneth Senft with Answers for Anne Cast (LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "Kenneth Senft, Lutheran World Federation American zone director, helps a refugee family at Nürnberg."
Original Caption: "Pastor K. Raudsepp among the Sunday-school children."

Raudsepp among Sunday School Children ((LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "Pastor K. Raudsepp among the Sunday-school children."
Original Caption: "The best of their unique cultural characteristics have been preserved by many Displaced Persons such as these Latvians in the camp at Augustdorf in the British zone of Germany. In daily life is a new land they will show a warm generosity and closeness to nature, and on festival days will brighten the scene with color and enthusiasm."

Displaced Persons at Augustdorf (LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "The best of their unique cultural characteristics have been preserved by many Displaced Persons such as these Latvians in the camp at Augustdorf in the British zone of Germany. In daily life is a new land they will show a warm generosity and closeness to nature, and on festival days will brighten the scene with color and enthusiasm."
Original Caption: "Among the frequent teachers in the Lutheran Study Center in Imbshausen castle (shown in rear) are these Latvian pastors in exile: Edgars Kiploks, Prof. Dr. Karlis Kundzins, leader of the Latvian Lutheran Church in the British Zone; Prof. Dr. Edmunds Smits, Program Director; and Gustavs Kness-Knezinskis, Sunday School specialist. The first three formerly taught theology in the Latvian University at Riga. All but Dr. Kundzins are LWF staff members."

Latvian Pastors and Professors (LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "Among the frequent teachers in the Lutheran Study Center in Imbshausen castle (shown in rear) are these Latvian pastors in exile: Edgars Kiploks, Prof. Dr. Karlis Kundzins, leader of the Latvian Lutheran Church in the British Zone; Prof. Dr. Edmunds Smits, Program Director; and Gustavs Kness-Knezinskis, Sunday School specialist. The first three formerly taught theology in the Latvian University at Riga. All but Dr. Kundzins are LWF staff members."
Original Caption: "Dr. Howard Hong talks with Dean J. Kullitis in the procession from the Berchtesgaden camp church led by Archbishop Grünbergs."

Bishop Grünbergs (LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "Dr. Howard Hong talks with Dean J. Kullitis in the procession from the Berchtesgaden camp church led by Archbishop Grünbergs."
Original Caption: "Over 100 pastors of the Latvian Lutheran Church-in-Exile from the western zones of Germany met in the Lutheran Study Center at Berchtesgaden in October 1948. It was the largest meeting ever possible for them in exile, including nearly all of their pastors. Several representatives of the LWF-SR also were present."

Latvian Lutheran Church-in-Exile (LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "Over 100 pastors of the Latvian Lutheran Church-in-Exile from the western zones of Germany met in the Lutheran Study Center at Berchtesgaden in October 1948. It was the largest meeting ever possible for them in exile, including nearly all of their pastors. Several representatives of the LWF-SR also were present."
Original Caption: "During the winter, the American zone LWF Service to Refugees staff gathered for a weekend at the Lutheran Study Center at Berchtesgaden for fellowship and inspiration."

American Zone Staff at Berchtesgaden (LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "During the winter, the American zone LWF Service to Refugees staff gathered for a weekend at the Lutheran Study Center at Berchtesgaden for fellowship and inspiration."
"Mikelis Valters and Ventis Plume January 1949" (Insula-Island of Hope)

“Mikelis Valters and Ventis Plume January 1949” (Insula-Island of Hope)

"Mikelis Valters and Ventis Plume January 1949" (Insula-Island of Hope)
LWF General Assembly Lund (Sweden), 1947. From l to r: Dr. Franklin Clark Fry, USA; Prof. Abdel Ross Wentz, USA; the Rt. Rev. Hans Meiser, Germany; Dr. Johan Arnd Aasgaard, USA.

LWF Lund Aasgaard (used with permission of Lutheran World Federation)

LWF General Assembly Lund (Sweden), 1947. From l to r: Dr. Franklin Clark Fry, USA; Prof. Abdel Ross Wentz, USA; the Rt. Rev. Hans Meiser, Germany; Dr. Johan Arnd Aasgaard, USA.
Photo of John Plume in Insula, taken by Ventis Plume

John Plume, 1948? (JP)

Photo of John Plume in Insula, taken by Ventis Plume
Left to right: Howard Hong, James V. Anderson, Sylvester Michelfelder, at LWF Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, ca 1948

LWF Hong Anderson Michelfelder

Left to right: Howard Hong, James V. Anderson, Sylvester Michelfelder, at LWF Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, ca 1948
Original Caption: "Pastor Edgars Kiploks, Lutheran World Federation chaplaincy services and publications director with his family and sister-in-law (right) in the Augustdorf camp where the family lives. It is not possible for Pastor Kiploks to be with his family regularly, since he must be at the LWF Hq. and on the road most of the time."

Kiploks with Family (LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "Pastor Edgars Kiploks, Lutheran World Federation chaplaincy services and publications director with his family and sister-in-law (right) in the Augustdorf camp where the family lives. It is not possible for Pastor Kiploks to be with his family regularly, since he must be at the LWF Hq. and on the road most of the time."
Original Caption: "Estonian Pastor Ed. Lind receives his Lutheran World Federation Service to Refugees insignia from Dr. Howard Hong. Pastor Lind was the director of congregational care in the American zone until leaving for emigration to the U.S."

Pastor Lind receiving Insignia from Hong (“Mikelis Valters and Ventis Plume January 1949” (LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "Estonian Pastor Ed. Lind receives his Lutheran World Federation Service to Refugees insignia from Dr. Howard Hong. Pastor Lind was the director of congregational care in the American zone until leaving for emigration to the U.S."

Work of LWF-SR

Put simply, the work of LWF-SR often had to take on many different programs and forms. With around eight main programs (that is, eight distinctively and repeatedly documented programs; there were plenty more), many people under different circumstances were aided. This took paperwork, this took packages, this even took lectures! Below is merely a snapshot of or entrance into the abundant work that was done for those needing spiritual and material care.

Original Caption: "Women from the camp, in which the Lutheran World Federation operates in the American zone Study Center, prepare and serve three meals daily to the large group of students. The LWF contributes several hundred pounds of supplementary food each month."

Women Serving Food at Berchtesgaden (LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "Women from the camp, in which the Lutheran World Federation operates in the American zone Study Center, prepare and serve three meals daily to the large group of students. The LWF contributes several hundred pounds of supplementary food each month."
Original Caption: "The last investigation of a displaced person before embarkation for the United States is the interview with the immigration and Naturalization Service inspector at Camp Grohn. This family is on its way to becoming your new neighbors."

Last Investigation before Departure (LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "The last investigation of a displaced person before embarkation for the United States is the interview with the immigration and Naturalization Service inspector at Camp Grohn. This family is on its way to becoming your new neighbors."
Original Caption: "In the main Lutheran World Federation Resettlement office at Frankfurt, Germany, Miss Alice Erlander selects family registration cards for provisional matching with assurances received from the National Lutheran Council. This field registration was done by a designated committee of the Churches-in-Exile."

Alice Erlander Frankfurt (LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "In the main Lutheran World Federation Resettlement office at Frankfurt, Germany, Miss Alice Erlander selects family registration cards for provisional matching with assurances received from the National Lutheran Council. This field registration was done by a designated committee of the Churches-in-Exile."
Original Caption: "At Funk Kaserne, the IRO resettlement centre for southern Bavaria, where emigrating displaced persons are gathered from their camps, the Lutheran World Federation is present to free them, help them, and smooth the way to the point of departure. Here Mrs. Rasman and Mr. Arvo Klaus prepare a list of LWF-sponsored families soon to go to Camp Grohn at Bremen for embarkation."

Preparing List of Sponsors (LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "At Funk Kaserne, the IRO resettlement centre for southern Bavaria, where emigrating displaced persons are gathered from their camps, the Lutheran World Federation is present to free them, help them, and smooth the way to the point of departure. Here Mrs. Rasman and Mr. Arvo Klaus prepare a list of LWF-sponsored families soon to go to Camp Grohn at Bremen for embarkation."
Original Caption: "LWF Course held at Berchtesgaden. Mrs. L. Nurmet's lecture: 'The Great Supper' at LWF Study Centre."

Nurmet Lecture at Berchtesgaden (LWF-MR)

Original Caption: "LWF Course held at Berchtesgaden. Mrs. L. Nurmet's lecture: 'The Great Supper' at LWF Study Centre."
Original Caption: "Estonian church-warden at Ballingen received Bibles in mother language for further distribution."

Estonian Church-Warden Receiving Bibles (LWF-MR)

Original Caption: "Estonian church-warden at Ballingen received Bibles in mother language for further distribution."
Original Caption: "At Camp Grohn, the IRO embarkation center near Bremen, emigrating DPs find church services prepared to help them on their journey to the new land. It is not always easy to sever the emotional ties with the old world, and services, such as this sponsored by the Lutheran World Federation give needed comfort and reassurance. Most of the people shown leaving the camp chapel after an Estonian service have LWF-sponsored assurances."

Service at Camp Grohn (LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "At Camp Grohn, the IRO embarkation center near Bremen, emigrating DPs find church services prepared to help them on their journey to the new land. It is not always easy to sever the emotional ties with the old world, and services, such as this sponsored by the Lutheran World Federation give needed comfort and reassurance. Most of the people shown leaving the camp chapel after an Estonian service have LWF-sponsored assurances."
Original Caption: "In the Rehabilitation Center for wounded war veterans among the Displaced Persons in the British Zone, these men learn the silversmith's art. All men in the picture are amputees, whos hope for the future depends not only on their willingness to work, but on someone giving them an opportunity."

Rehabilitation Center for Wounded War Veterans (LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "In the Rehabilitation Center for wounded war veterans among the Displaced Persons in the British Zone, these men learn the silversmith's art. All men in the picture are amputees, whos hope for the future depends not only on their willingness to work, but on someone giving them an opportunity."
LWF Warehouse of Goods for Distribution at DP Camps

Munich Warehouse (LWF-PS)

LWF Warehouse of Goods for Distribution at DP Camps
Original Caption: "Serving the widely scattered and often destitute Hungarian Lutheran and Reformed church members in diaspora in the British Zone is made easier for Pastor Gyözö Orth and Deacon Bertalan Arkossy by the gift of a bicycle from Christian friends in America. They are shown setting out to visit members in little villages in the Harz mountains, after a stop-cover at the Lutheran Study Center at Imbshausen."

Hungarian Pastors with Donated Bikes (LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "Serving the widely scattered and often destitute Hungarian Lutheran and Reformed church members in diaspora in the British Zone is made easier for Pastor Gyözö Orth and Deacon Bertalan Arkossy by the gift of a bicycle from Christian friends in America. They are shown setting out to visit members in little villages in the Harz mountains, after a stop-cover at the Lutheran Study Center at Imbshausen."
Original Caption: "Displaced Persons suffering from tuberculosis are visited in the hospital at Senne in the British Zone by Pastor Edgars Kiploks, Chaplaincy Service director of the Lutheran World Federation Service to Refugees. Wider than his direct ministry of the Gospel in institutions is Pastor Kiploks' work of helping the various Churches-in-Exile to locate and provide regular ministry to their own members outside of camps regularly served by a pastor."

Chaplaincy Service (LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "Displaced Persons suffering from tuberculosis are visited in the hospital at Senne in the British Zone by Pastor Edgars Kiploks, Chaplaincy Service director of the Lutheran World Federation Service to Refugees. Wider than his direct ministry of the Gospel in institutions is Pastor Kiploks' work of helping the various Churches-in-Exile to locate and provide regular ministry to their own members outside of camps regularly served by a pastor."
Original Caption: "As Lutheran World Federation secretary in the important Schlegswig-Holstein area office at Lübeck, Ernst Vähl has often managed most of the work alone when the area director has been called elsewhere. He has an assurance from the National Lutheran Council."

Lübeck Office (LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "As Lutheran World Federation secretary in the important Schlegswig-Holstein area office at Lübeck, Ernst Vähl has often managed most of the work alone when the area director has been called elsewhere. He has an assurance from the National Lutheran Council."
Original Caption: "Bruno Ederma, Congregational Care director, right, checks the loading list as food parcels and other supplies are unloaded at the Lutheran World Federation British Zone headquarters in Bad Salzuflen. The 3-ton truck is on permanent loan to LWF from the IRO."

Unloading Congregational Care Packages (LWF-PS)

Original Caption: "Bruno Ederma, Congregational Care director, right, checks the loading list as food parcels and other supplies are unloaded at the Lutheran World Federation British Zone headquarters in Bad Salzuflen. The 3-ton truck is on permanent loan to LWF from the IRO."

Paperwork was a large part of LWF-SR work as workers, volunteers, churches, and other volunteer agencies all had to be in communication. Simply finding supplies took multiple letters back and forth discussing prices and shipments. But some documents also show a bit more of the life found in LWF-SR, including illustrated Christmas greetings or different class schedules.

Estonian Ev. Church in Exile Expense Report 1950 (LWF-A)

With subsidies from LWF and their own incomes, Churches like the Estonian Evangelical Church in Exile were able to sustain their religious needs/work. One can see their various needs in the “debet” section.

Michelfelder-Hong Order Request 1949 (LWF-A)

LWF-SR required a lot of different types of material to suit many different types of needs. In this order request from Howard Hong to Sylvester Michelfelder, one can see the variety of needs fulfilled: whole milk powder (additional nutrition), cod liver oil (a supplement thought to have many health benefits), good quality news print (for church newspapers and periodicals), and film strips for Sunday Schools (for general religious education and youth work).

The Imbshausen and Berchtesgaden Study Centers served as places of learning for the many displaced persons in religious positions or wanting to be in such. Classes for Sunday school teachers or pastors often were held in these centers.

Classes Offered at Imbshausen Study Center 1948-1949 (LAH)

The Imbshausen and Berchtesgaden Study Centers served as places of learning for the many displaced persons in religious positions or wanting to be in such. Classes for Sunday school teachers or pastors often were held in these centers.

During the Christmas season in 1949, drawings like this were used as the front of Christmas greetings sent to LWF-SR staff and those they aided.

Christmas Greeting 1949 (LWF-PS)

During the Christmas season in 1949, drawings like this were used as the front of Christmas greetings sent to LWF-SR staff and those they aided.

Photo Credits

Given the nature of this section and the amount of photos compiled here, a small key of sources can be found here:

LWF-PS: Lutheran World Federation Service to Refugees 1947-1949 Photographic Section, used with permission of the Lutheran World Federation and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

LWF-MR: Lutheran World Federation Service to Refugees in Germany 1947-1949. Materials for Report, vol. 1, ed. Howard Hong (1949), used with permission of the Lutheran World Federation and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

LWF-A: Lutheran World Federation Archive, Geneva, Switzerland

LAH: Landeskirchliches Archiv, Hannover, Germany

JP:  donated by John Plume

EH: used with permission of Erik Hong