WALDECK-PYRMONT, vdl'dec-pfr'mont: A principality of the German empire consisting of Waldeck-a small state in North Germany lying between Hesse-Nassau and Wespthalia-and Pyrmont (about thirty miles to the north), surrounded by Hanover, Lippe, and Brunswick; area 433 square miles, population (I905) 59,127, of whom 56,341 are Evangelical Christians, 1,890 are Roman Catholics, 259 are of various denominations, 629 are Jews, and 8 are not placed as to religious belief. No conver sions to Roman Catholicism are reported, but three have joined churches other than the national church. The Old Lutherans, numbering about 520, have several congregations but only two ministers in the principality, and the relations with the state church are friendly. The total number of com municants is 40,984. In type of theology the prin cipality is conservative, holding fast to the old ideals. Philanthropy flourishes in the form of the Sophienheim at Helsen, and a hospital and deacon ess' home at Arolsen, the gifts of the late Princess Helene. Religious influence is marked also in con nection with education, Luther's Catechism being used. The church order of the Lutheran type dates from 1556, undergoing revision in 1640 and 1731, and the Reformed religion has never been strong, even the rationalistic movement having little real influence here. Conaistorial direction partakes a little of the Episcopal type. Changes were made in 1873 which brought the administration into line with the Ger man states, progressive changes have been made since, and further advance is under discussion. The consistory is in two parts, each consisting of a lay man and two clergymen, and there are four superin tendents. The synod has sixteen members, two elected by the district synods, and two appointed by the prince, and meets every three years. The dis trict synods meet yearly, and are composed of equal numbers of clergy and laity. The sanction of the prince is required for legal measures. Under the influence of rationalism the old church order of service went to pieces. A liturgy was intro duced in 1888, but has not met general acceptance. It is hoped that the present confusion will be ended and uniformity brought about by use of the treasures of the past.

(Victor Schultze.)

Bibliography: L. Curtze, Geschichte der evangelischen Kirchenverfassung in dem Fttrstentunie Waldeck, Arolsen, 1850; idem, Die kirehliche Gesetzgebung des Fizratenturres Waldeck, ib. 1851; E. Friedberg, Die geltenden Verfassungsgesetze der eaangdischen deutschen Landeskirchen, pp. 828 sqq., Freiburg, 1885; I. Freiensen, Staat and katholische Kirche in den deutschen Bundeastaaten, Stuttgart, 1901; V. Schultze, Waldeclcische Reformationsgeschichte, Leipsic, 1903.