We have to deplore the death of the Rev. C. R. Demmé, D. D., Pastor of
the German Church in north Fourth Street, who for many years made the
Eastern Penitentiary the scene of his most welcome and profitable
labors. His great desire was to do good to his fellow man; and
Providence that lighted up that wish in his heart, blessed him with a
sound judgment, as to the choice of objects on which his gifts and
acquirements would be best exercised, and the selection of time and
means for his ministration. He knew how repulsive usually is the
convict’s cell to those of his vocation; and he felt also how important
to those who would be useful there, is a knowledge of modern languages;
and especially did he resolve to devote himself to those of his own
country, (Germany,) whom he could approach by many avenues which love of
the “Father land” opens to the heart. And many who heard his kind
monitions, lived to bless his benevolence. He was a man of steady and
well regulated zeal, devoid of ostentation; practical in all his plans,
and eminently useful in his labor in concurrence with this Society.