Self-sacrifice and Sense of Community

by Stefan Schmied
Translated by Gerald "Jerry" Thomas Boyle

       It happened often, that the Scheindorf Swabians, through their 90-year work of building, developed a special sense of community. They were able, through sacrifice and cooperation, to accomplish great works. These virtues were evident in the ones who stayed home as well as the ones who wandered far and wide. They could never draw on wealth, because their meager fields brought only a small harvest. All the more, the community facilities had to be protected, which the previous generation built themselves, because of love of community and home. Building and rebuilding of the church, the rectory and school, the cemetery chapel, acquisition of the bells and organ, supporting their own school, etc. demanded enormous sacrifice. An example of the creative work is explained in the following account about the building of the German cultural center:

      In 1935, the German culture society in Petrifeld acquired a house, which, through alterations and additions, became the first German cultural center. Scheindorf, the first Swabian town in the area to return to German traditions after World War I, decided a year later to build a similar cultural building. As so often before, this time there was again an appeal to the generosity of the townspeople both at home and overseas. The "Americans" donated 60,000 Lei; the "Scheindorfers" raised 26,000 Lei. Added to this was the tremendous effort of the young people as well as the contribution of 100 beech logs by the community. Because the harvest time kept the adults busy and the builders could not wait, the youth of the area took part in the work of the community. Thanks to the community sacrifice and the hard work of all, it was possible to officially open the cultural center on November 11, 1936. Many people took part in this memorable occasion, representatives of nearby communities, several priests, and also some Romanian friends. Everyone who was at the grand opening, or saw the center later, acknowledged the achievement of the Scheindorf Germans. Particular merit was won by Father Hans Muller with the building of the cultural center.