Luja, Johann Christian Reinhard

Protestant pastor, classical scholar

Born: 16.04.1767 in Wiesbaden

Died: 10.12.1847 in Wiesbaden

After studying Protestant theology in Giessen and completing his examination and ordination, Luja took up the vicariate in Niedercleen (then Nassau-Weilburg) in 1789. He was then pastor in Weilmünster (1791/92), Ebersgöns (1792-1797) and Altenkirchen (1798-1818). From June 1818 until his retirement in July 1836, he worked as a pastor in Dotzheim.

The "first call for research into the Pfalgraben" (Limes) published in the "Herzoglich-Nassauisches Allgemeines Intelligenzblatt" in 1811 provided the impetus for the later founding of the Verein für Nassauische Altertumskunde und Geschichtsforschung. Together with Christian Friedrich Habel, his son Friedrich Gustav Habel and Johann Isaac Freiherr von Gerning, Luja dedicated himself to the organization, development and scientific objectives of the association, which was then constituted on 05.12.1821. Luja was a member of the association's board until his death.

In Dotzheim, he rendered great services to researching the history of this "largest village in the Nassau region". Shortly after taking office, he worked on a chronicle of the community and drew up a precise map of the village "by eye". He undertook excavations in the immediate vicinity of Dotzheim and published reports on them in the "Nassauisches Intelligenzblatt" and in the Nassauische Annalen. He also privately amassed a collection of historical finds, particularly from the Frankish and Roman periods.

The "Pastor Luja Square" in Dotzheim and numerous memorial plaques keep his memory alive. Luja was buried in the Dotzheim cemetery.