OHNEBERG, George

[s. 575] : A mi ionary of the Moravians to St. Croix, West Indies. He was one of the first of the United Brethren who succeeded in establishing himself on this island. He went from the island of St. Thomas to St. Croix in April, 1751. The Christian negroes welcomed him with open arms, for since the mi ion was suspended 1742 they had received only occasional visits from the mi ionaries at St. Thomas. He was hardljr settled there before both himself and the Christian slaves had to endure many persecutions from the pagans by whom they were surrounded. The huts of the negroes were set on fire, and sometimes entirely destroyed. Mr. Ohneberg’s house was burned, but his furniture was saved by the efforts of the Christian negroes. Whan these pagan people m found they could do nothing to unsettle Mr. Ohneberg, and that he went on with his work, they gave up their persecution and left him in peace. An estate of four acres was soon purchased by the Brethren, where they built a church and dwelling-house, and named the place “Friedensthal.” The work increased more and more tiU the little church at Friedensthal could not contain the hearers, and service for nearly twelve months was held in the open air. As many as a hundred negroes were annually baptized into the church. 575