St. Petri und Pauli zu Hamburg-Bergedorf

Whispers of the past echo around St. Petri und Pauli zu Hamburg-Bergedorf. This isn’t just a church. It’s a living testament to Bergedorf’s history. The story begins in 1162. A simple mention of “Bergerdorp” and a priest marked its place in history. The church, then known as St. Peter, stood as a spiritual beacon. Its exact form remains shrouded in time. We only know of a priest named Arnold around 1120. Fast forward to 1499. The old church, weary with age, was torn down. A new St. Petri und Pauli zu Hamburg-Bergedorf began to rise. Hamburg and Lübeck oversaw the construction. The year 1502 saw its grand opening. Bishop Johannes von Parkentin consecrated the newly built church on the feast of Peter and Paul, June 29th. The Reformation arrived in 1549. Ditmar Koel, the administrator, spearheaded the change. Andreas Falkenberg became the first Lutheran pastor. His image still graces the church near the pulpit. St. Petri und Pauli zu Hamburg-Bergedorf continued to evolve. Extensions in 1589 and 1609 expanded its reach. The tower, initially separate, was later integrated. A southern addition, the “Brauthaus,” appeared between 1660 and 1670. Northern loges were added between 1707 and 1723. Even Ernst Georg Sonnin, the architect of Hamburg’s St. Michaelis Church, left his mark. He redesigned the tower in 1759. Inside St. Petri und Pauli zu Hamburg-Bergedorf, treasures abound. A 1586 pulpit, a gift from Franz von Stiten’s wife, stands proudly. The altar, a 1662 masterpiece, is possibly attributed to Christian Precht. It features Moses and Aaron, angels, the resurrected Christ, and paintings of the Crucifixion and Last Supper. Epitaphs and portraits of past pastors adorn the walls. Empore paintings depict scenes from the Bible. The church also possesses a historic organ. Originally mentioned in 1282, it has seen many changes. A 1962 Alfred Führer organ, renovated in 2007, fills the church with music today. Outside, the Kirchplatz, once a graveyard until 1831, now serves as a community space. Nearby, the old Organistenhaus stands. Built in 1630, it was home to the Hasse family, including composer Johann Adolph Hasse. The old Pastorat, built in 1913, and the 1930 Gemeindehaus complete the ensemble. St. Petri und Pauli zu Hamburg-Bergedorf is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a testament to faith, history, and the enduring spirit of Bergedorf.