Rev. John Aberly

Bible trained teachers, and gospel workers until 1923. Initially, Rev. Aberly labored for two years in the Narasaraopet field, after which he took charge of the Boarding School, the Theological Training School and the Telugu congregation at Guntur. He acted as

Principal of Andhra Christian College during the period when Dr. L. B. Wolf was away on furlough or on other duties. Mrs. Alice Aberly worked with boarding school children, women of the congregation and church music.

Rev. John Aberly learned Telugu and authored Telugu Bible Dictionary that took about 20 years to complete. Apart from editing various church periodicals in Telugu, he authored

Telugu commentary for seven Bible books that included Mark, Acts and Romans. He also authored Telugu Union Hymn book that shows Telugu hymns in English metres. His scholarly Telugu literary works remain a great gift to the Telugu churches in the years to come. After serving for 33 years, on February 27, 1923 the Aberlys left for America.

After returning to the United Sates in 1926, Reverend Aberly served as the president of

Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg till 1940. Rev. Dr. John Aberly served God humbly with deep devotion all through his life and was called to his eternal reward at the age of 96.

Conclusion

Many faithful and devoted missionaries have toiled their lives to yield the fruits of their labor. Their strenuous efforts not only brought us the gospel but also gave us the momentous resources and left an unsurpassed legacy. As followers of Christ, it is our duty to carry out the great commission given by Jesus Christ. And as Christians, it is our responsibility to protect and improve the Churches, Educational establishments,

Hospitals in order to keep the legacy alive.

Bibliography:

After Fifty Years – An historical sketch by Rev. L. B. Wolf

One Hundred Years in the Andhra Country—Edited by C.H. Swavely.

Missionary Heroes of the Lutheran Church—Edited by Rev. Dr. L. B. Wolf

A Century in India 1842-1942—By Margaret R. Seebach

History of Freedom Movement in Guntur District 1921-47 by Dr. B. Seshagiri Rao

History of the Telugu Christians by James Elisha Taneti

A Memoir of Rev. Walter Gunn by Dr. G. A. Lintner

The Diary of Rev. Dr. John Aberly—Compiled by Rev. Samuel Schmitthenner

The Telugu Mission of the General Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in North America by George Drach and Calvin Kuder

Lutheran Woman’s Work Periodicals and ELCA Archives