From Michael Diehl’s account:
Pt. I: Mid-December
On the 15th of December, 1848, Dr. Keller was confined to his bed by sickness. For several weeks previous he had not been well, but up to this period he attended to his various duties. The disease now took a virulent form, and a severe attack of fever was predicted by his physician. His illness soon became known through the community, and a general and very deep anxiety was awakened in his behalf.
On the evening after he took his bed, at a weekly prayer meeting of the congregation, a more than usual interest on the subject of religion was manifested by some who were non-professors. This religious interest was so increased that in a few days it became necessary to commence a series of meetings to attend to the spiritual interests of anxious souls. As the congregation assembled night after night, and the power of the Holy Spirit was manifested, the solemnity of these meetings was greatly increased by the illness of the pastor of the flock.
Upon those connected with the institution, especially, a dark mantle of sadness had fallen. Even the thought of his death was distressing to the mind. In every public prayer meeting, petitions were offered on his behalf, and from every private chamber ardent cries ascended to the ears of Jehovah. While memory lives, the prayers of that occasion can never be forgotten. All seemed to feel as did Luther, when Melanchton was ill; and, like Luther, they prayed.
About The Project
With Wittenberg now celebrating its 175th year, and the University unable to hold regular in-person classes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor of History Thomas T. Taylor has started circulating several pieces on Wittenberg's history. Some originated in earlier series, either This Month in Wittenberg History or Happy Birthday Wittenberg. Others have their origin in the Wittenberg History Project or in some other, miscellaneous project. Sincerest thanks to Professor Taylor for connecting alumni, faculty, staff, and students through a historic lens.