1525

8 October 1525

Early on a Sunday morning, George Blaurock appeared in this town south-east of Zurich and made his way to the village church. Mounting the pulpit before the pastor arrived, George announced: "Whose pulpit is this? If it is God's place, then I am here as an emissary of the Father to proclaim God's Word". In the meantime Pastor Johannes Brennwald came in, and at first listened patiently. But when George began to attack infant baptism Brennwald spoke up, and an argument between the 2 men ensued. A deputy magistrate attempted to arrest Blaurock, but the congregation of about 200 people objected. Eventually, magistrate George Berger from Gruningen Castle (4 miles west) was summoned and Blaurock was taken into custody. Berger placed Blaurock on a horse and they headed for Gruningen, with Blaurock singing at the top of his voice. En route they passed through the village of Betzholtz.