St. Mary's Church

St. Mary's Church, known locally as Marienkirche, stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural splendor of Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein. This iconic structure is one of the main churches in the city, belonging to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany (Nordkirche). Located near the Nordermarkt, the church is accessible via the Schrangen, a historic connecting building dating back to 1595.

The Historical Journey of St. Mary's Church

The origins of St. Mary's Church date back to a Romanesque stone church, believed to have been built around 1165/70 under King Valdemar I, or possibly after King Canute VI ascended the throne in 1182. This predecessor was destroyed in 1248 during the civil war between King Erik IV of Denmark and Duke Abel of Schleswig. Remarkably, a casting lion from the late 12th century has survived and is now housed in the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Hamburg.

The current St. Mary's Church was first mentioned in a letter of indulgence by the Danish Bishop Tycho of Aarhus on May 2, 1284. This document, preserved in the Flensburg City Archives, indicates that the citizens had begun constructing the new church. Built as a three-aisled hall church in Gothic brick style, it stands on the same site as its predecessor and is dedicated to Mary. It is the oldest church in Flensburg's city center and one of the largest and most significant churches in the city.

Architectural Evolution

Over the centuries, St. Mary's Church has undergone numerous transformations. Initially comprising three bays, it was extended eastward by two bays around 1400. Two chapels of varying depths were added to the side aisles, with the larger northern chapel becoming the baptismal chapel. In 1526, the Reformation was introduced, leading to the removal of altars and papal images in 1598, replaced by a new high altar considered a masterpiece of North German late Renaissance.

The church originally had only a roof turret. Between 1730 and 1731, a tower was built over the western bay of the nave on reinforced corner pillars, crowned with a Baroque dome. A new organ was installed a year later, whose prospectus remains intact. Around 1780, a Baroque portal was added to the south wall, and the three naves were covered with a mansard roof in 1788. The Baroque tower was replaced by a neo-Gothic one with a pointed helmet between 1878 and 1880. In 1901, a two-story sacristy with a stair tower was added to the north side.

Surviving the Turmoil of War

St. Mary's Church emerged unscathed from the air raids on Flensburg during World War II. In early May 1945, the last Reich government retreated to Flensburg-Mürwik. From May 8, 1945, services were held in the Holy Spirit Church as German troops occupied St. Mary's Church as an emergency shelter. Some church windows were damaged in June 1945 due to an ammunition explosion in the Flensburg harbor area. The Flensburg painter Käte Lassen designed six new windows between 1949 and 1957, with additional windows created by glass painter Hans Gottfried von Stockhausen from 1959/60. The church is now accessed through a portal extension from 1958 on the south side of the tower bay. In 1991, a new bronze bell was acquired, followed by two more in 1994.

The Flensburg Monument Controversy

In January 1967, the Flensburg Monument Controversy or Flensburg Church Dispute erupted. The conflict centered around the removal of the Stone Warrior monument by three pastors from St. Mary's Church. This dispute, which gained national attention, divided society, caused a rift within the CDU, and filled entire pages of the Flensburger Tageblatt with letters to the editor. The pastors' dispute is seen as a precursor to the student revolts of the late 1960s, with the Flensburg pastors Jastram, Krause, and Friedrichs becoming symbols of a leftist awakening.

Artistic Treasures

St. Mary's Church houses numerous artistic treasures, many donated by wealthy citizens. The high altar, donated by Mayor Dietrich Nacke in his will, is the largest altar of the late Renaissance in Schleswig-Holstein. Created in 1598 by Heinrich Ringerink and another carver, with paintings by Jan von Enum, the altar rises over three levels, adorned with columns, caryatids, and richly decorated entablature.

In the base level, statues of the apostles Peter and Paul stand on either side. Peter holds the key to the kingdom of heaven, while Paul carries a sword, symbolizing the defense of faith and his martyrdom by beheading. The left door, adorned with a painting of Jesus' circumcision and presentation in the temple, leads behind the altar. The right door, depicting Jesus' baptism in the Jordan, is complemented by a medallion image of John the Baptist in the arch above.

The main level features three panels, with the central one depicting the Last Supper after an engraving by Johann Sadeler. The side panels contain two medium-sized square paintings each, surrounded by 16 smaller images. These four paintings, based on engravings by Hendrick Goltzius from 1578, depict Christ as an example of virtues, his miracles, his suffering, and his resurrection. Each is surrounded by eight biblical stories from the New Testament and eight symbolic representations from both the Old and New Testaments, with all titles and biblical references in Latin.

Visiting St. Mary's Church

A visit to St. Mary's Church offers a captivating journey through history and art. From its Gothic architecture and Renaissance altar to its stained glass windows and neo-Gothic tower, the church is a treasure trove of historical and artistic significance. Whether you're a history enthusiast, art lover, or simply seeking a moment of reflection, St. Mary's Church in Flensburg is a must-see destination.