Chapter VII. Conclusion.

Chapter VII of “The Moravians in Georgia” concludes the book by detailing the Moravians’ later attempts in Georgia, spanning from 1740 to the post-Revolutionary War period and focusing on the challenges and shifts in their missionary and settlement efforts.

In 1740, John Hagen arrives in Savannah with intentions to join the missionary work with the Cherokees, only to find the Moravians had left Georgia. Encountering health problems, he seeks help from Whitefield’s household and decides to stay in Savannah, engaging in religious work and gardening, upon realizing the difficulty of reaching the Cherokees. His attempts to establish a congregation among the Germans in Savannah are met with both support and controversy, especially from Whitefield due to differing views on predestination. This theological disagreement forces Hagen out of Whitefield’s favor and leads him to find sympathy and a new base with John Brownfield among others in the Savannah and Purisburg communities.

The narrative shifts to the 1746 proposal by General Oglethorpe to renew Moravian efforts further up the Savannah River, a plan eventually aborted due to lack of execution. By 1774, there’s a renewed attempt to serve in Georgia through missionary work among slaves at the request of Mr. Knox. Ludwig Mueller and John George Wagner venture to Georgia. They face challenges, including severe fever and the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, which disrupts their work and eventually leads to their departure from Georgia.

Subsequently, the focus turns to the Moravian property in Savannah. Initially granted to leaders August Gottlieb Spangenberg and David Nitschmann in the 1730s, these lands see a fluctuating interest, with eventual plans for missionary use. These ambitions are thwarted by the Revolutionary War and legal disputes over land ownership and occupancy that extend into the early 19th century. The chapter also recounts the departure of various Moravians back to Europe or other colonies, deaths within the community, and an extensive log of arrivals and departures that underscores the transient and often turbulent nature of the Moravian mission in Georgia.

The conclusion of the chapter, and the book, offers a reflective look at the Moravian efforts in Georgia, marked by initial enthusiasm, subsequent challenges, and shifting dynamics of colonial American society. Despite various setbacks, the Moravians’ dedication to their missionary work and community aspirations remain evident, showcasing their resilience and adaptive strategies amidst the evolving landscape of early American history.