SAMUEL FISCHER (1547–1600)
Life
Samuel Fischer was born on 25 November 1547 in Jáchymov into a respected burgher family. The status of the family is reflected in the fact that his godfathers were the well-known preacher Johannes Mathesius and the mayor of the town.
He received his early education in Jáchymov, where he attended the local school. One of his teachers was Michael Geiring, who later became pastor at St. Maurice’s Church in Halle.
On the advice of a relative Fischer continued his education at the school in Schleusingen in the County of Henneberg. On 21 September 1561 he enrolled at the University of Wittenberg, one of the most important centres of the Lutheran Reformation. On 29 August 1570 he obtained the degree of Master of Philosophy.
Church career
While still a student Fischer began teaching. From 1567 he worked as a teacher at the Stiftsschule in Schmalkalden. In 1572 Prince Poppo of Henneberg appointed him court chaplain in Burgbreitungen.
Between 1576 and 1578 he served as pastor in Schneeberg. Afterwards he became superintendent and pastor in Oelsnitz, a position he held for six years.
At the request of the town council of Meissen he was appointed in 1583 by Elector Augustus of Saxony as a general church inspector. In 1588 he became pastor in the imperial mining town of Schlaggenwald (today Horní Slavkov).
University of Jena
Fischer continued his theological studies at the University of Jena in Thuringia. On 25 November 1589 he received the degree of Doctor of Theology. Only three days later he was appointed pastor and professor at the theological faculty.
On 17 April 1590 he moved permanently to Jena with his family. In addition to his professorship he also held important academic offices and served as rector of the university during the winter semesters of 1591 and 1597.
Death
He delivered his last public sermon on 2 April 1600. The following day he was already confined to bed due to severe pain.
Samuel Fischer died on 22 June 1600 in Jena and was buried in the parish church of St. John the Baptist.
