Keller, Benjamin, Dd

Keller, Benjamin, D.D.

a prominent minister of the Lutheran Church, was born in Lancaster, Pa., March 4,1794. Under the faithful ministry of Rev. Dr. H. E. Muhlenberg, he made a public profession of religion, and from that time felt an earnest desire to devote himself to the work of preaching the Gospel. His classical course he pursued under the direction of Rev. Dr. D. F. Schaeffer, of Frederick, Md.; his theological studies with his pastor, Dr. Muhlenberg. In 1814, before he had reached his 21st year, he was commissioned by the Synod of Pennsylvania to preach. His first charge was Carlisle, Pa. He subsequently labored in Germantown, Pa., Gettysburg, and Philadelphia, and in each charge he was pre-eminent as a pastor. For a season he was most successfully engaged as general agent of the Parent Education Society, and at a later period his services were secured by the Synod of Pennsylvania in its efforts to endow a German professorship in the institution at Gettysburg. By his untiring devotion to the work, his perseverance and tact, the object was readily attained. For some years he was also engaged in the work of the Lutheran Publication Society, in a general agency and superintendence of its interests. He died July 2,1864, after a service of fifty years in the Gospel ministry. (M. L. S.)