Since the Reformation many pastors came from German universities, who served on estates as house teachers and preachers. The church assigned "pastorates" with servants to them, these were often generous estates, which ensured their economic independence.
The Lutheran pastors were responsible for the large Latvian or Estonian church services as well as the smaller German ones. They also oversaw and governed the school system. Their pastoral and educational efforts for Estonians and Latvians awakened an interest in their cultural characteristics and language that led to the emergence of written languages. German pastors translated the catechism, spiritual songs and later the Bible into Latvian and Estonian. In the 18th century they also established enlightening ideas that critically examined the existing conditions of the rural population and called for change.
Illustration:
View of the parish and pastorate in Trikāta, drawing in: Johann Christoph Brotze “Collection of various monuments of Livland“, volume 8, p.166; 1799. Photo: Herder Institute, Marburg, Picture Archive.