the Augustinerkirche, Gotha

So I finally went to a church service in a traditional (holding that term loosely) Landeskirche of Germany.  I don't think I psychologically held out until I was in Gotha, where Francke himself preached and grew up and where Luther declared the gospel.  I just think it worked out that way.

I went to the service offered by the quiet Lutherans at the Augustinerkirche.  Include me, there were probably about 25 people in attendance, and you would believe even that many were there if you heard them sing.  Now, I don't want to short-change the gentleman sitting behind me... he could sing.  But, the rest didn't follow his lead.

I came in, sat down, listened to a sermon in which none of the foundational doctrines of Lutheranism were expounded (how much better condition our churches would be in if we did!), and left without a simple hello from a parishioner or pastor (who shook my hand on the way out).  Sad.

The church is, nevertheless, beautiful.  And it contains two paintings of interest.  I mentioned them in an earlier post, but I've taken better photos.  So, below are pictures of Luther and Melanchthon, respectively, dressed by the artist in eighteenth century costumes.  I could be wrong, I I don't imagine Luther ever wearing a white wig.

A seventeenth-century portrait of Martin Luther

A seventeenth-century portrait of Philip Melanchthon