Influenced by the enthusiasm triggered by Philipp Jakob Spener (Spener, Philipp Jakob)'s initial Pietist impulses, Francke founded Pietist groups at the University of Halle, where he taught theology and Oriental languages (1695–1727). His conventicle was criticized by traditional Lutherans for its biblical revivalism and social activism, particularly the founding (1695) at Halle of the Franckesche Stiftungen (Francke Foundations), which included a school for the poor, orphanage, medical dispensary, and publishing house. Dismissed by the established church, Francke later received the favour of King Frederick William I of Prussia, who, influenced by a visit to the institutes (1713), initiated legislation for similar educational centres in his realm.