Church of the Brethren

Lippstadt Church of the Brethren: the cradle of the Reformation in Westfalen-Lippe in the Middle Ages
The Church of the Brethren was founded in 1280 by Friedrich zur Hörde zu Schwarzenraben and Störmede. A monastery was also founded at this time. The monastery existed until 1542. The Gothic monastery church, the Brüderkirche, can still be seen today on Johannes-Westermann-Platz in Lippstadt's Altstadt.

The Protestant Reformation in Westfalen-Lippe
The street in which the Brüderkirche is located is named after a monk who preached there, as Johannes Westermann went to Wittenberg to study theology. It was there that he met Martin Luther. Johannes Westermann became acquainted with the teachings of the important reformer and incorporated them into his own sermons in Lippstadt. His sermons became so popular with the people that he held them in St. Mary's Church on the town hall square. However, Westermann's popularity with the monarchs waned and he was forced to leave Lippstadt. He then moved to Münster and Hofgeismar.

Historical architecture and history of the Church of the Brethrenin Lippstadt
The Church of the Brethren played a key role in the Reformation in Westfalen-Lippe. It is architecturally interesting, with a nave adjoined by a side aisle on the south side. The church has 3 transverse roofs and gables. The construction is supported by 2 massive round pillars in the asymmetrical hall church. This floor plan is rare for the period up to the middle of the 14th century. Visit the Brüderkirche and immerse yourself in the history of the Reformation.