Neustädter Kirche, Erlangen

Neustädter Kirche, nestled in the heart of Erlangen, Bavaria, is a baroque masterpiece that stands as a testament to the region's rich religious and architectural heritage. This Evangelical Lutheran church, also known as the Neustädter Universitätskirche, has been a focal point for both the local community and the Friedrich-Alexander University since its consecration in the 18th century. Its towering presence alongside the Hugenottenkirche and the Altstädter Dreifaltigkeitskirche adds to the distinctive skyline of Erlangen, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados alike.

The Birth of a Lutheran Community in Christian Erlangen

The story of Neustädter Kirche begins in 1686 with the establishment of Christian Erlangen, a haven for French Huguenots fleeing religious persecution. As the town grew, it attracted not only Huguenots but also German Reformed and Lutheran settlers. Initially, the Lutherans were part of the Altstädter parish, but in 1703, Margrave Christian Ernst issued a decree establishing a separate Lutheran congregation. The congregation first used the Sophienkirche, the chapel of the nearby Ritterakademie, for their services until it was demolished in 1964.

A Protracted Construction Due to Financial Struggles

Construction of the Neustädter Kirche began in 1722, amidst a wave of baroque church building in Erlangen. However, financial difficulties plagued the project, significantly delaying its completion. Despite donations from the Bayreuth Margrave and contributions from both the French and German Reformed communities, the church's construction required extensive fundraising efforts by its members. These efforts included collecting donations from taverns and embarking on fundraising journeys to amass the necessary 35,000 guilders.

The architectural plans for the church are attributed to Johann David Räntz, the Bayreuth court building inspector, with construction overseen by Wenzel Perner and later Johann Georg Weiß. The cornerstone was laid without much fanfare on June 19, 1725. By 1733, the roof and an initial pulpit were completed, and on December 8, 1737, the church was consecrated by Superintendent Achiatius Severinus Memminger, despite being only partially finished. The pulpit altar and sacristy, which includes a crypt, were completed in 1744, marking the end of the primary construction phase. The upper tower stories were finished in 1765, and the tower helmet with its lantern was added in 1830.

Recent History and Renovations

The Neustädter Kirche underwent significant interior renovations in 1904, during which the glazed side sections of the pulpit altar were replaced with masonry, creating the present-day sacristy. This space is now used for smaller services, such as the Sunday morning service. The church and its remarkable ceiling frescoes by Christian Leinberger suffered damage during World War II, but were restored by 1955. A comprehensive renovation from 1979 to 1982 saw the church closed, with services temporarily relocated to the Lutheran community center at Bohlenplatz. In 1987, to mark the 250th anniversary of its consecration, the church received a new communion table, funded by a generous donation.

Notable Events

On November 4, 1743, the University of Erlangen was inaugurated with a service at Neustädter Kirche, which had become the city's principal church. Although the university parish was dissolved in 1814, university services continued in the Sophienkirche and later the Hugenottenkirche until Neustädter Kirche was designated the university church in 1837. Today, university services are held every second Sunday during the academic term, led by a professor from the theology department.

The church's crypt houses the remains of several noble individuals, including Margravine Sophie Caroline Marie of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, who passed away in 1817. The renowned legal philosopher and conservative politician Friedrich Julius Stahl was baptized here in 1819, converting from Judaism to Protestantism. In 1850, the first children's service in Germany was held at Neustädter Kirche, initiated by Professor Karl Georg von Raumer and Vicar Julius Schunck. The church also became home to the Institute for Church Music in 1854, established by Theodosius Harnack. Together with the Neustädter Kantorei, founded in 1984, the church hosts numerous concerts each year, cementing its status as a vibrant center for church music in Erlangen and beyond.

Architectural Marvels

The Neustädter Kirche forms an architectural triad with the Altstädter Kirche and the Hugenottenkirche, all part of the baroque city plan of Erlangen. This unity is evident in their alignment along the city's central north-south axis, with the Neustädter and Altstädter churches positioned on an eastern parallel to the main street, which also hosts the Erlangen Castle. The two Lutheran churches are oriented eastward, with their choirs on the east side and towers on the west, while the Hugenottenkirche is arranged in a mirror image.

The exterior of Neustädter Kirche, built from unplastered sandstone blocks, is characterized by its clear, convincing structure. Although its beauty is somewhat obscured by the narrow streets of the city center, the eastern view from the Neustädter Kirchenplatz reveals the two-bay choir with its semicircular conclusion. The choir and the seven-bay nave share a common gabled roof. Both sections are adorned with flat pilasters with Doric capitals and a broad cornice with triglyphs, while the round-arched windows, typical of the baroque style, are accentuated by simple window canopies. The presence of two rows of round-arched windows suggests the interior's side galleries, a common feature in Lutheran churches of the period. The central bays of the nave feature elaborately designed portals and small oval windows above them.

In conclusion, Neustädter Kirche is not just a place of worship but a historical and architectural gem that reflects the rich cultural tapestry of Erlangen. Its baroque splendor, storied past, and ongoing role in the community and university life make it a captivating destination for visitors to this charming Bavarian city.