J. F. Krummnow & the Herrnhut commune

and the Herrnhut Commune, Victoria

Extract from an article in the Argus (26.4.1857) about Krummnow's Herrnhut commune. This article unfortunately also reflects the racism against Chinese immigrants (Celestials) that was common in Australia at that time. Many Chinese came to Victoria during the gold rush years.

Complete text of the article: The German settlement at Mount Rouse. - We have been requested to give publicity to the fact that the German settlers at Mount Rouse have, thanks to their personal exertions, aided by their energetic parson, the Rev. J. F. Kromnow, and without any assistance from the Colonial Government, completed the erection of a very substantial stone church. The cost of the building, we are informed, has been nearly £1800. It is called Hern Huth, and is situated on the land purchased by these people, about three miles from Penshurst. The church is 60 feet long by 27 feet in width, and the roof is 40 feet from the floor. It will be interesting to some of our readers to know that such progress has been made by Mr. Krumnow and his flock. From the remoteness of the place and the difference of language, few persons would be informed at all upon the subject. Owing to the poverty of the people at home and the want of all aid from Government, the number of this single German colony, which has always fluctuated a great deal, is at present unusually low, not more than 40 souls. At Hamilton and its neighbourhood there are probably some 400 of the same class. Reinforcements sometimes arrive from South Australia, but these frequently draw off to the various goldfields, in the hope of bettering their fortunes. At Mount Rouse a very fair quantity of grain has been raised this season, and the people, proverbially sober and industrious, are prospering as they deserve to do. We should not be sorry to see a large increase of our Helvetian friends, and should certainly prefer it to the inroad of the Celestials.

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