Aged Preachers in Germany
THE shamefully inadequate provision made for the support of the aged ministers of the gospel of most denominations in this country is in marked contrast to the superb provision made for them in Germany. There, it is stated, the young minister gets a minimum salary, usually $500, and a parsonage. This salary is increased every few years until, at sixty-five, the minister, even if he has changed his parish, receives $2,500, the largest compensation permissible, to which is to be added the use of the parsonage and certain fees given him. At sixty-five the minister can withdraw on a pension if he shall so elect, or if the parish shall so desire. Or he can continue, by general consent, five years longer. On withdrawing, he receives as a pension for the rest of his life two thirds of his last and highest salary. On his death, his widow receives an adequate pension for the remainder of her days, and also each of her children until their sixteenth or eighteenth year.—The Christian Herald.