Lutheran Church

In the heart of Sopron's Old Town, nestled along the quaint Templom Street, stands the majestic Lutheran Church, known locally as the Evangélikus templom. This architectural gem is not just a place of worship but a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. As the third-largest Lutheran church in Hungary, it holds a significant place in the hearts of the local community and visitors alike.

The History of the Lutheran Church

The story of the Lutheran Church in Sopron is one of resilience and renewal. The first Lutheran church in the city, constructed from wood in 1676, was tragically lost to a great fire. Undeterred, the congregation built a second wooden church, which stood from 1677 until 1722. The third iteration of the church, this time made of stone, served the community from 1722 until 1782. Remarkably, all three churches were located on the same site where the current structure now stands.

The present-day Lutheran Church was built between 1782 and 1783, following Emperor Joseph II's Edict of Tolerance in 1781, which allowed for the construction of Protestant churches. However, the church could not be built directly on the street front and initially lacked a tower, as per the restrictions of the time. The beautiful domed tower that now graces the church was added much later, in 1862-1863, enhancing its grandeur.

Architectural Marvels

Building the Lutheran Church required substantial effort and resources. The foundation was laid on 182 sturdy alder piles, while the massive stone columns were sourced from the quarry in Szentmargitbánya, now located in Burgenland, Austria. By the end of 1783, the pews, doors, and windows were ready, and the interior furnishings from the second wooden church, including the exquisite altar, pulpit, precious communion chalices, and the organ, were transferred to the new stone church.

The church was consecrated on January 1, 1784, by Pastor József Torkos, who preached from Psalm 26:8, Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells. Since then, the church has undergone few changes. In 1854, a sacristy was added, and in 1883, the wooden shingles were replaced with tiles. The church's exterior and interior reflect the typical features of Protestant church architecture of the period. It is a hall church, divided into three naves by eight colossal Tuscan columns. The central nave, 7.5 meters wide, is higher than the side naves. A gallery was built above the side naves in two levels, creating a spacious, hall-like interior typical of late Baroque Protestant churches. The rectangular building is 36 meters long and 24 meters wide, with seating for 2,500 people, making it the third-largest Lutheran church in Hungary, after those in Békéscsaba and Nyíregyháza.

The Bells of the Lutheran Church

The tower of the Lutheran Church houses four bells, each with its unique history and significance. The Heroes' Bell, weighing 3,441 kg, was cast by Frigyes Seltenhofer and Sons in 1926 and resonates with an A0 note. The Peace Bell, also cast by the same foundry in 1926, weighs 1,751 kg and sounds a C1 note. The Fidelity Bell, weighing 1,153 kg, was cast in 1863 and has an E1 note. Lastly, the Our Father Bell, weighing 487 kg and cast by László Szlezák in 1948, chimes with a G#1/A♭1 note.

Ringing Traditions

The daily ringing schedule of the bells is a cherished tradition. Every day at 6 AM, 12 PM, and 6 PM, the Our Father Bell rings. On Sundays, the Fidelity Bell rings at 8 AM to mark the beginning of the service. At 8:45 AM, the Heroes' Bell tolls, signaling that the service will start in fifteen minutes. At 9 AM, the Fidelity and Peace Bells ring to announce the commencement of the service. Finally, at 10 AM, the Our Father, Fidelity, and Peace Bells ring together, creating a harmonious symphony that resonates throughout the town.

Visiting the Lutheran Church in Sopron is not just an opportunity to admire its architectural beauty but also to immerse oneself in the rich history and traditions that have shaped this remarkable place. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, the Lutheran Church offers a captivating glimpse into the past and a serene space for reflection and appreciation.