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Karl Gottfried Maeser (January 16, 1828-February 15, 1901) immigrated to the United States in 1856, ending up in Utah with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1860. In 1876, Maeser became the second principal of Brigham Young Academy [1] in Provo, Utah, which was later to become Brigham Young University.

Once, during some difficult times as the school was struggling, Maeser pondered going elsewhere. He had a dream, or what he called a vision in which he saw "Temple Hill filled with buildings - great temples of learning." [2]

Contents 1 Meissen 2 Song to his memory 3 Personal Information 4 Resources 5 External links

Meissen is known as the birthplace of Karl G. Maeser. As the first president of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah and superintendent of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' educational system, Karl. G. Maeser was born, raised and educated in Meissen. Now, as a result, the two cities share a sister-city relationship. The connection between Provo and Meissen through Karl. G. Maeser was the original inspiration for the sister-city partnership. It is the hope of both cities that the relationship will grow to include the exchange of delegations, including manufacturers, youth, academicians, scientists, artists, associations, clubs, tourists, technicians and others, which will result in enriching the cultures of the respective cities. As of 2001 the two cities have been sending high school age students on a three week long exchange to gain more knowledge about their differences in society and culture. [3] [4]

A poem turned song was written in his memory. The words were written by Annie Pike Greenwood, with the music by L.D. Edwards. It is titled "Come, Lay His Books and Papers by"

Come, lay his books and papers by,
He shall not need them more;
The ink shall dry upon his pen,
So softly close the door
His tired head, with locks of white,
and like the winter's sun
Hath lain to peaceful rest tonight,
The teacher's work is done.

His work is done; no care tonight
His tranquil rest shall break;
Sweet dreams, and with the morning light,
On other shores he'll wake.
His noble thoughts; his wise appeal,
His works that battles won;
But God doth know the loss we feel,
The teacher's work is done.

We feel it, while we miss the hand
That made us brave to bear;
Perchance in that near touching land
His work did wait him there.
Perchance, when death its change hath wrought,
And this brief race is run,
His voice again shall teach,
who thought The teacher's work was done.

This song became an LDS hymn and appeared in the 1948 edition of the hymn book, which was republished in 1948. (Hymn #338). Ater the title it states "In memory of Dr. Karl G. Maeser." It is not included in the 1985 hymn book.

Birthplace: Meissen, Saxony, Germany

Place: Utah, United States of America

Married: Anna Mieth, 1854; Emilie Damke, 1875 as plural wife

• Burton, Alma P. Karl G. Maeser, Mormon educator. Deseret Book Co (1953), 79 pages. ASIN: B0007F29IE

• Maeser, Karl Gottfried. School and Fireside. Skelton (1898), 358 pages. ASIN: B000882GWY

• Maeser, Reinhard. Karl G. Maeser: A biography by his son. Brigham Young University (1928), 184 pages. ASIN: B000893U14

• Hymns- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Copyright 1948 by Corporation of the President The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, published 1978 by Deseret Book Company for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

• Utah History Encyclopedia
• Maeser Chalkboards Preserved
• Maeser, BYU Presidents

Preceded by Warren N. Dusenberry

President of BYU 1876–1892

Succeeded by Benjamin Cluff