Born: September 14, 1648 - Breslau, Lower Silesia, Germany
Died: January 27, 1715 - Breslau, Lower Silesia, Germany |
Caspar Neumann attended the University of Jena and was graduated with an M. A. in 1670.
For some time he lectured at this university. On November 30, 1673, Caspar Neumann was ordained traveling chaplain to the son of Duke Ernst of Gotha, Prince Christian. Three years later he became court-preacher at Altenburg. He was appointed diaconus of St. Mary Magdalene Church at Breslau in December, 1678, and was pastor there in 1689. The following year he accepted the position as pastor of St. Elizabeth’s Church at Breslau. In connection with this position he also inspected churches and schools of his district and was first professor of theology in the two Gymnasia at Breslau.
Caspar Neumann was regarded as a poet of first rank. His hymns, 39 in all, were used almost entirely in such collections as Breslauische Gesangbuch, 1748; Schweidnitzer Gesangbuch, 1749; and the Hirschberger Gesangbuch, 1752. Neumann was a celebrated preacher, but his influence was felt more through his written than through his spoken word. He published a prayer-book, Kern aller Gebete, Breslau, 1680. This book passed through many editions. |