The Rudolf Steiner Archive

55. Commemorative Address for the 12th Anniversary of the Workers' Educational School

[ 1 ] The Workers’ Educational School celebrated its twelfth anniversary on Sunday evening at the Trade Union Hall. A concert had been organized in honor of the occasion, the artistic value of which cannot be overstated. Harmonium performances, cello and harp solos, as well as orchestral pieces and vocal performances, alternated with recitations of both serious and lighthearted content. The centerpiece of the program—which was put together with great artistic sensibility—was the commemorative address delivered by Dr. Rudolf Steiner. Dr. Steiner referred to Liebknecht as the school’s founder, whose larger-than-life portrait adorned the hall. In the spirit of our great departed, he said, the struggle should not be waged for its own sake, but as a means to the lofty goal of the perfection of humanity. And in this endeavor, the work of the Workers’ Educational School also plays a role; for in its lessons, a seed falls on fertile ground that will continue to be a blessing to future generations. Contributing to the ideals of humanity, acting in accordance with the legacy Goethe bequeathed to humanity—to stand on free soil with a free people: this is the task to which the Workers’ Educational School will continue to prove itself worthy. A workers’ festival is clearly lacking something if police censorship doesn’t prohibit certain parts of the program. On Sunday evening, for reasons unknown, the recitation of several verses from the satire Willis Werdegang was banned. Just as the program’s composition was excellent, so too was its presentation. Mr. Kurt Holm served as the reciter, and Mr. Richard Franke as the harmonium player. Mr. Albrecht Löffler played the cello, Mr. Alfred Holy played the harp with consummate artistry, and Mrs. Helene Löffler-Hintze delighted the exceptionally large audience with her magnificent singing.