Lutherland III

I have had many thrilling experiences in the past few weeks, but one of the absolute high points of this trip was worshiping in the Schlosskirche (Castle Church) in Wittenberg on Reformation Day, October 31.

Claudia and I arrived to town around 5 pm the day before, and had ample time to check into our quaint little room, just steps away from the church, and then walk around town as people were setting up their booths and tables for the next day.

The English-language service was at 8:00 AM. so we arranged for an early breakfast with the delightful host of our courtyard B&B.

Jeorg is a historical instrument craftsperson, and he showed us around his studio.

Then, off to church. The service was beautiful, with those great Reformation lectionary texts, and a relevant message about necessary “reforming” in any time or age. And familiar hymn tunes, led by the pipe organist in grand fashion.

To exit, we actually walked through the doors on which Martin Luther most likely nailed those 95 theses on this day in 1517. (There is no question about the theses themselves, or the author, but the accounting of the actual “nailing event” wasn’t told until many years after 1517.)

Reformation Day is a holiday in this part of Germany and the people really came out for this city-wide festival.

We visited Lutherhaus, where Luther and family lived during his years of teaching at the University here. It is now a museum full of interesting things.

We also walked around the University courtyard and the studio site of Lucas Cranach (Luther’s artist friend who painted many pictures of Martin and Katherina and many others, and also ran a famous art school).

We decided to see the large Yadegar Asisi panorama of Wittenberg life during the time of Luther. It was rolled out for the 500th anniversary celebrations here and is still a popular tourist attraction. (Photos were not allowed, sorry.)

If you are inclined to visit Wittenberg, I highly suggest you try to come on Reformation Day. I guarantee you will be glad you did.