Hermann Theodor Wangemann

1818-1894. German mission executive. Influenced by the Pomeranian revival movement, he studied theology and in 1849 became director of a Lutheran teachers' college. Appointed director of the Berlin Mission in 1865, he held this post until his death. His leadership was so strong-willed and even authoritarian that the agency was popularly referred to as the “Wangemann Mission.” His first love was the South African field, which he visited in 1867 and 1884- 85, and he was not enthusiastic about the mission's move into China (1882) and German East Africa (1890). He built up a supportive constituency by organizing many local associations in E Germany, but he was seldom interested in cooperative efforts with other missions, either at home or abroad.