The house father of St. Chrischona, Kasper Kessler, recorded data on the guests, workers, and trainees at St. Chrischona in a two-volume book. Kessler died after a prolonged illness in 1872. The late entries in dark blue color (e.g., on Wolde Sellasie, Jaagan, and Gabri’el) were written by another person.
English translation of the entries on the Ethiopian guests and trainees
Note: The spelling of the names has been slightly adapted
(1) RUUFOO
[Oromo] Black
- March 25, 1867: return from Korntal [to St. Chrischona]
- September 25, 1867: in the Institution [‘Pilgerhaus’] in Weinheim
- At the end of 1868: on the Maienbühl
- then in the Fälkli [Stapfelberg 3, Basel]
- April 1869: back here
- November 4, 1869: Travels to Jerusalem with merchant Haas
(2) AGASHE
Born around 1851;
from Abyssinia, born Falasha;
baptized (by Brother Flad) 1864
Here for training (“English Jewish mission,” i.e.,
London Society for Promoting Christianity among the Jews)
- July 2, 1870: entrance [to St. Chrischona]
(3) SAMANI
Born around 1850;
from Abyssinia, born Falasha;
baptized (by Brother Flad) 1864
Preparatory student [?];
Here for training (“English Jewish mission,” i.e.
London Society for Promoting Christianity among the Jews)
- July 31, 1870: entrance
(4) ARGAWI MICHAEL
Born around 1850/51;
from Abyssinia,
born Christian (stayed at Flad’s place)
Learns bookbinding
- July 12, 1866: arrived with Flad, Bühler, and Ruufoo
- September 1866 to 1868: attended the institution [‘Pilgerhaus’] in Weinheim (Baden)
- October 1868 to June 1869: in the Fälkli (Basel)
- June 1869: here [at St. Chrischona]
(5) WOSSEN HAYLU
Born around 1850/51;
from Sakalta, Abyssinia
Preparatory student; student
- May 23, 1871: entrance
- July 19, 1872: died
(6) SANBATU DANI’EL
Born about 1850;
from Gondar, Abyssinia
Preparatory student; student
- May 23, 1871: entrance
(7) GOBAU DESTA
From Takusa, Abyssinia
Preparatory student; student
- May 23, 1871: entrance
(8) WOLDE SELLASIE
Abyssinian
Birthday uncertain (April 29, 1851 crossed out)
From Simien, Amhara, Abyssinia
- May 8, 1872: entrance
- February 20, 1874: exit.
Farewell, returns to Abyssinia
(9) JAAGAN
[Oromo]
- July 2, 1872: entrance
- December 10, 1872: exit.
Travels with the Brothers Greiner and Mayer to Alexandria.
(10) GABRI’EL [* ገብረማርያም, Gäbrä Maryam]
[Oromo]
- July 2, 1872: entrance
- December 10, 1872: exit.
Travels with the Brothers Greiner and Mayer to Alexandria.
Original (extracts)
Courtesy: Archive at St. Chrischona Theological Seminary