Lutherkirche, Baroque church in Leer, Germany.
Lutherkirche is a baroque church whose 1675 nave was extended west in 1706–1710, north in 1738, east in 1793 and south in 1882, giving a Greek-cross plan. Its 32-metre tower carries a gilded swan with a small crown, and the pulpit, a gift from the Lutheran community of Esens, dates from around 1576.
Construction began in 1675 using stones from the demolished Thedinga monastery, following approval from Princess Christine Charlotte. The church immediately became the center of the Lutheran community in this East Frisian town.
The pulpit, older than the church itself, was a gift from the Lutheran congregation of Esens; its coats of arms point to a donation by Walburgis of Rietberg around 1576, not to Ihlow monastery. The pews include the Meese'sche Stuhl, dated 1 January 1740, and the manorial pew with the East Frisian coat of arms received its present form in 1732.
The church is open Monday through Friday from 3 PM to 5 PM and Saturday from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, but only from May through October. During other months, visitors should contact the local church office beforehand to arrange access.
The 800-year-old stones from the dissolved Thedinga monastery are visible at three spots: on both sides of the nave east of the crossing and in the base of the west tower. The tower is crowned by a gilded swan, symbol of the Lutheran church, wearing a small crown referring to Frederick the Great, who approved its construction.
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