They are mainly private letters from Gottfried Menken to his parents, sister, cousin, and other people from his time in Duisburg, Uedem, Frankfurt, and Wetzlar. These personal letters provide rare insights into Menken's thoughts, his sermons, and his professional ambitions. The documents have been indexed in the Kalliope Catalog and are available for research and study in the SuUB Bremen’s manuscript reading room.

Gottfried Menken was born in Bremen in 1768 and was one of the most famous theologians of the period. After studying and working in various parishes, he returned to his hometown in 1802. He initially worked in the St. Pauli parish in the Neustadt district, then from 1811 to 1825 as Pastor primarius at St. Martini, which was the smallest parish in Bremen at the time.

Up to his death on June 1, 1831, he devoted himself exclusively to scriptural interpretation. During his lifetime, he became known far beyond his hometown through the publication of collections of sermons and scriptural interpretations and was highly regarded in theological circles.

Further Information:

https://www.suub.uni-bremen.de/home-english/

Contact:

Dr. Maria Hermes-Wladarsch
Head of Historical Collections, State and University Library Bremen
Phone: +49 421 218-59571
Email: hermesprotect me ?!suub.uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de