Albert Maier introduced the Truth to Germany in the late 1890s. His story provides an outstanding example of faith and gives encouragement for us to remain true to Christ and preach the good news at every opportunity until our Master’s appearing.
Brother Maier was born in Reutlinger, Germany and as a young man travelled to America in the late 1800s. In Waterloo, Iowa, Maier heard the Truth through the teaching of Brother A H Zilmer, who spoke German. Maier was soon baptised and returned to Germany in the 1890s, intent on spreading the Gospel. His preaching received little interest, though some did respond including a 27 year old named Friedrich Weber (baptised 30th April 1899) and also Henriette Britzius. Both these converts remained active in ecclesial work with Henriette later emigrating to Birmingham, UK with her husband and keeping in regular contact with the German ecclesias.
With few prospects of further spreading the ruth, Maier sold his home and emigrated to America with his mother. His mother died soon after and Maier returned to Germany to continue preaching, this time taking with him German translations of booklets by John Thomas and Robert Roberts. The preaching was now assisted by Brother Weber and ecclesias were established in Kornwestheim and Stuttgart-Gaisburg. In 1922 Maier met with Johannes Reich of the New Apostolic Community, and most of Reich’s congregation was subsequently re-baptised. Ecclesias were soon established in Nufringen, Reutlingen, Pfullingen, Ludwigsburg and Kirchheim am Neckar.
Leading up to World War II, the Christadelphian community in Germany was under suspicion because of their conscientious objection and ‘pro-Jewish’ interpretation of prophecy. Maier maintained a “strangers and pilgrims” attitude towards politics and arrest was largely avoided in the community. However, when war broke out and conscription was introduced, there were a number of arrests including that of Brother Albert Merz, who was executed in April 1941 (see the Lampstand May–June 2009, page 162). Shortly afterwards, Brother Maier died peacefully on 3rd April 1944 and now awaits the resurrection call.
Brother Maier’s preaching is an example to us all. When he travelled overseas in his youth he was receptive to God’s Word. When he returned home with this Truth it was with the intent of spreading the news to others. His preaching was not always received with enthusiasm, yet this did not hinder his efforts. He was persistent, and by God’s grace the seed germinated. Maier’s most fruitful preaching was with support from those around him and with relevant preaching tools. Ecclesias grew as a result of this faithful brother’s preaching, but opposition grew as well. Yet despite the turmoil that engulfed Germany, Brother Maier held fast to the simple truth of God’s Word and provided guidance for a generation of new disciples.