Meniolagomeka facts for kids
Meniolagomeka was a special village where German missionaries from the Moravian Church and Native American people called the Lenape lived together. It was located near Kunkletown, Pennsylvania, by a creek called Aquashicola Creek. This community was an important part of early Pennsylvania history, aiming to share the Moravian faith.
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What Was Meniolagomeka?
Meniolagomeka was a settlement formally organized in 1742. It was set up under the direction of Count Nicholas von Zinzendorf, a leader of the Moravian Church. The village was home to about 50 to 60 people. These residents included both Moravian missionaries and Lenape people who had become part of the Moravian faith.
Who Lived in the Village?
Many people lived and worked at Meniolagomeka. The Moravian missionaries included Brothers like Bernhard Adam Grubè, John Joseph Bull, and Nathanael Seidel. Sisters such as Anna Margarethe Jungmann and Anna Nitschmann also lived there.
The Lenape residents were also a key part of the community. Important Lenape individuals like Teedyuskung, Wiwumkamek, and Telepuwechque lived in Meniolagomeka. They shared their lives and culture with the missionaries.
Why Was Meniolagomeka Built?
The Moravian Church wanted to share its Christian faith with Native American communities. Meniolagomeka was created as a place where missionaries could live and work alongside the Lenape people. It was a center for teaching and community building. The Moravians believed in peaceful coexistence and helping others.
Why Did Meniolagomeka End?
The settlement of Meniolagomeka did not last forever. The Moravians and Lenape residents were forced to leave the village. This happened because of something called the Walking Purchase. This was a controversial land deal that took place in Pennsylvania. It caused many Native American groups to lose their lands. By 1754, the residents of Meniolagomeka had to move and resettle in a new place called Gnadenhütten.
Remembering Meniolagomeka
Even though Meniolagomeka no longer exists, its history is remembered. On October 22, 1901, the Moravian Historical Society dedicated a stone monument. This monument stands as a reminder of the settlement and the people who lived there. It helps us remember this unique part of Pennsylvania's past.
