From the Church's History
- ca. 1180
Built as the roman pillar basilica of St. Peter.
- 1300
Also the Order of St. John's monastery after 1300.
- 1301
Earliest documented reference to the church in connection with a certain Theodoricus, who desicrated the church through an unspecified bloody deed. As punishment, he was required to provide the church with 1-1/2 hudredweight wax annually.
- 1303
A young man who had been murdered is burried in the sanctuary which marks the beginning of the legend of "Intervention of the Mother of God and the Loving Saint". According to the legend, the only the portion of the church that escaped damage during the city fire of 1331 was that under which the grave lay.
- 1331 Extensive construction and expansion after the great city fire - the gothic chancel is built.
Starting in the 14th century, the church is the seat of the most important Comthurei of Thüringia
- 1463
Receives the patron St. Paul.
- 1539
The church becomes protestant.
- 1691
After several city fires, from which the church receives collateral damage, the last major renovation takes place.
- 1774
The separate bell tower is built.
- World War I
The main bell from 1614 falls victim to the armaments industry. Today only two bells hang in the tower: the small bell from 1326 and the large bell from 1582.
- after 1945
The decline of the church begins; the parish is not in the position to provide support.
- ca. 1960
Walled tombs are discovered in the sanctuary during archeological excavations. The identity of those buried there remains unknown.
- 1976
Selected for the district historical monument list. Support from the government does not follow.
- 1990
The first money for the restoration and preservation of the church finally comes from the treasury of the State Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments.
- May 1992
Founding of the society "Weissensee/Thüringia City Church Initiative" from committed Weissenseers and other art lovers from the former german states and oversees.
The Goals of the Society
- Publication of the church history and its problems
- Recruitment of art lovers whose main interests are in the preservation of sacred buildings
- Advertisement for additional members
- Support of the Weissensee parish for the restoration and preservation of the church, i.e., that the society will continue to exist even after the renovation is complete!
The Church's Main Problems
- The Roof
The old cement tiles are falling apart and are much too heavy
for the walls and trusses. In keeping with the original
condition, a slate roof is planned, which will require an
enormous amount of money.
The wall coping requires a thorough cleaning.
The roof must be completely sealed and lightning rods
installed.
- Exterior
The plaster is damp in many places.
The stone walls must be restored, as well as the balcony stairs
outside.
The south wall of the chancel is over two feet out of line.
Because of this wall movement, vertical cracks are developing
in the chancel windows and in the triumphal arch.
There are also cracks appearing in the west gable.
- Interior
The numerous pieces of furniture from various epochs are at
risk due to unfavorable climactic conditions.
There is a great deal of plaster damage, especially in the area
of the chancel.
All paintings on the interior, the oldest of which are from the
Gothic period, are in severe need of restoration.
The baroque organ is no longer playable.
After the ever-changing, 800-year history of the church, it is now the
goal of the protestant parish and the support society to prevent any
further decline so that the church can continue to be used for worship.
Further, we would like to see it become a place of meeting and
culture. The outstanding accoustics make the church an excellent
location for organ recitals and other concerts, but a variety of events
can find a home here. We gratefully acknowledge the financial
support of the Thueringia State Office for the Preservation of Historical
Monuments, the German Foundation for Historical Restoration in
Bonn, and other sources... but it is not enough!
The saving and restoration of the historic St. Peter and Paul's church
can only be achieved with the help of many people and institutions
who hold the preservation of cultural, historical and sacred buildings
in the their hearts.
If you, dear reader, have found an interest in our church and the work
of our society, we will gladly provide you with additional information.
We can say with joy and thanks that numerous members from our
town, Germany, Europe and the United States are supporting the
restoration of the venerable St. Peter and Paul's Church with
creativity and intense personal devotion.
If you would like to be a member of our initiative, please contact the
chairman of our society, Reverend Gerhard Reuther:
Gerhard Reuther
Burgstrasse 6
D99631 Weissensee/Thueringen
GERMANY
Telephone/FAX: (36374) 20291
FAX (+49) 36374 27226
email: 100542.606@compuserve.com
We thank you for the attention you have granted us. Will we be calling you "fellow-member" soon?
Weissensee/Thueringia City Church Initiative