Established in 2004, the House of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is one of the nine original fraternal organizations in the House System at The King’s College, New York City. “Bonhoeffer” was designated as the International House during its first year. Grzegorz “Greg” Grabowski and Benson Agbortogo co-led the group, encouraging and sponsoring college-wide events related to broadening the cultural experience of The King’s College student body, then drawn primarily from local New York City residents. Following the House System’s first year, international students are placed in all houses, encouraging widespread diversity.

Our House namesake is one of the most prominent theologians of the twentieth century. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was born in Germany and remained loyal to his countrymen until his execution just prior to the surrender of the Nazi regime in 1945. An openly outspoken opponent of Hitler, Bonhoeffer was an admitted member of the resistance movement, military double-agent, and was involved in a high profile assassination attempt on the Fuhrer. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was hanged on April 9, 1945, days before the liberation of Flossenburg concentration camp.

Carrying the spirit and commitment of Dietrich Bonhoeffer onward, the Men of Bonhoeffer, or “the MoB” as we call ourselves, articulate three core house values: discipleship, community, courage. These guiding
ideals embody the character of our fellowship and brotherhood as demonstrated by Bonhoeffer in his ministry and care for others.

Our emphasis on leading with humility has fostered a positive contribution to the King’s community. In fact, more Student Body Presidents have come from the House of Bonhoeffer than from any other house to date. On a larger scale, our men work with New York City each winter to count the homeless on one designated night every February. And, for four years, Bonhoeffer also partnered with an organization called Career Gear, which provides business attire for former homeless men who are in the process of rehabilitation.

Each year the guys undertake three traditions. First is a welcome barbecue and sharing of House history at the home of the House faculty advisor, Dr. Salyers, who has worked with the MoB since its inception in 2003. The second is a partnered “pig roast” with the House of C.S. Lewis in April of each year. Third is the knighting of one distinguished member whose name is then burned into the House sword. Five House members have been knighted to date.

Bonhoeffer’s theological training occurred, in part, at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Of all the house namesakes, Bonhoeffer is the only one who shares a major New York City connection with our students.

His spirit of humility rests on this group of dedicated young men as they study and live together in community.

The House Crest

The House Crest.

The Colors: The three colors, aside from their individual symbolism, are meant to tie the crest to the House’s German roots. Red, yellow, and black are the three colors associated with the German flag.

The Eagle: The eagle is recognized as the king of birds, and thus is a natural choice to represent the strength, courage, and power of the men of Bonhoeffer. The eagle used on the crest is also the eagle that was commonly used in German heraldry, thus tying us to our roots of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian.

The Shield: The shield is meant to represent the House of Bonhoeffer’s constant readiness for battle.

The Crosses: On the shield are found three crosses. These crosses have several meanings. Firstly, the crosses represent that the focus of the House is in Christ in every situation, including the battles represented by the shield. Secondly, the shape of the crosses is referred to as the cross of suffering. This is meant to represent both the way that Christ suffered for us, and the way that we are to suffer for the cause of Christ and for each other. Thirdly, the crosses are meant to relate to the three crosses of The King’s College. The House of Bonhoeffer is part of the College, yet distinct in its own way.