St. Michael (Fürth)

St. Michael's Church in Fürth, Bavaria, stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural splendor of this charming town. This Evangelical Lutheran parish church has been a focal point of religious life in Fürth since its inception, with the Archangel Michael serving as its patron since the 13th century. The church's history is deeply intertwined with the development of Fürth itself, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the region's cultural and historical heritage.

The Historical Roots of St. Michael's Church

Fürth was first mentioned in a document on November 1, 1007, when Emperor Henry II gifted the town, including its existing churches, to the Bamberg Cathedral Chapter. Although the exact number of churches at that time remains unclear, it is believed that a chapel dedicated to St. Martin existed near the Rednitz River. This chapel's parish was transferred in 1016, following the death of the Bishop of Eichstätt, Megingaud.

The first recorded mention of St. Michael's Church dates back to 1349, possibly built due to the new local lordship, as St. Martin's Church still belonged to the Diocese of Eichstätt. Initially, St. Michael received only a third of the church revenues, with the remaining two-thirds going to St. Martin, indicating St. Martin's higher significance at the time. However, frequent flooding of the Rednitz River made access to St. Martin difficult, leading to a decree for processions to St. Michael with relics and banners.

By 1362, St. Martin was referred to as a subsidiary church, although the obligation for processions to the older chapel remained. A papal document from 1235 mentions the Chapel of St. Lawrence as a filial church of Fürth, likely still referring to St. Martin. By the late 13th century, St. Lawrence had gained prominence, with Bamberg's parish priests choosing Nuremberg as their residence. This shift led to a union between the churches, administered by a common senior pastor residing in Nuremberg.

The church's jurisdiction shifted over the centuries, with Fürth following Nuremberg's Reformation in 1524. This period of religious transformation further complicated the town's governance, as the Prince-Bishopric of Bamberg, the Burgraves of Nuremberg, and the Free Imperial City of Nuremberg vied for control. The Reformation in Fürth is considered to have begun on September 3, 1528, with the first visitation.

St. Michael remained Fürth's sole church until 1824, following the destruction of the Martinskapelle during the Thirty Years' War. The church's historical significance is highlighted by Heinrich Habel, who described it as the only medieval and most venerable and historically significant monument in Fürth's old town, rebuilt after the war.

Architectural Evolution of St. Michael's Church

St. Michael's Church's architectural history can be divided into four main phases. The nave, dating back to around 1100, is the oldest surviving part of the church, though it has undergone numerous modifications. Romanesque stonemason marks can be found on the north and south sides of the nave. The addition of the 45-meter-high tower, once the town's only landmark, significantly altered the nave's structure. The tower likely blocked an older entrance, leading to the creation of a new entrance on the nave's south side.

The church tower, with its four main stories up to the current tower gallery, was constructed between 1380 and 1390. The portal, stylistically similar to Nuremberg artworks, dates from 1390 to 1410. The choir was added around 1480, and the octagonal tower extension above the gallery was completed between 1520 and 1530. The neo-Gothic sacristy was added in 1886, along with a subsequently removed gallery staircase over the late Gothic south entrance porch.

The church's longitudinal axis is oriented southeast at approximately 130°, possibly referencing an original dedication to St. Martin or the nearby Carolingian St. Martin's Chapel. The tower, partially built before and after the choir, served as a watchtower during the Thirty Years' War, with a paid guard stationed at the top. The tower gallery is a rare feature in the Franconian region. During World War II, artillery damage to the tower resulted in the destruction of the enamel clock faces, which were later repaired in 1948 and 1952. The clock faces were replaced again in 1997.

Several epitaphs adorn the nave, including memorials for Martin Leitzmann, Colonel Johann von Mayenfeld, and a plaque commemorating Gustav Adolf by Fürth artist Konrad Mannert. The west portal features a copy of the 1380/90 tympanum, and a bronze bust of Wilhelm Löhe, created by Johannes Götz in 1928, stands on the church's south side.

Interior and Artistic Features

In 1675, the church underwent a general Baroque transformation. Due to significant population growth, plans to expand the church with transepts were considered in 1689 but never realized. Instead, galleries were added between 1629 and 1704 to increase capacity. The church suffered losses and questionable changes, particularly in the 19th century, including the sale of the Kunigunden Altar, a masterpiece from the Dürer era, in 1815. A renovation by Albert Christoph Reindel in 1830 resulted in further losses, including two side altars, a brass baptismal font from 1624, the late Gothic font, and the Moses pulpit from 1680.

Reindel's renovation gave the interior its current romantic-Gothic appearance, with a neo-Gothic chancel and pulpit. The gallery parapet features painted stone tracery, restored during the last renovation. In 1881, a sacristy was added, and the nave windows were extended downward in 1885. A southern gallery staircase was built in 1886 and later removed in 1975/78. Neo-Gothic ornaments were added in 1885, and the interior was redesigned in the Art Nouveau style in 1905. The galleries were painted a single color in 1952, with various layers visible on a parapet board near the organ.

The church's centerpiece is a chandelier by Fürth blacksmith Franz Nüssel, installed in 1961, symbolizing the heavenly Jerusalem. St. Michael's Church is not just a place of worship but a beacon of Fürth's historical and architectural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the town's storied past and enduring spirit.