COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE TO JOHANNES MATHESIUS AT THE CHURCH OF THE SAVIOUR
Introduction
On the façade of the Church of the Saviour there is a stone plaque commemorating Johannes Mathesius. The distinguished Lutheran theologian, preacher and chronicler belonged to the circle of the Reformation and was a friend and associate of Martin Luther. The plaque highlights both his activity in Joachimsthal and his origin in Rochlitz in Saxony.
History
Johannes Mathesius was born on 24 June 1504 in Rochlitz, Saxony. After his studies and involvement in the Reformation movement, he came to Joachimsthal, where he served as parish priest and became an influential spiritual figure of the town. He died on 7 October 1565 in Joachimsthal.
In 1965, on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of his death, the commemorative plaque was installed on the church. According to the inscription, it was donated by his home community. In the political context of the 1960s, this act also represented a noteworthy gesture of cultural connection between towns within the Eastern Bloc.
Description
The plaque is made of reddish stone and bears a German inscription engraved in relief. It describes Mathesius as a “companion and friend of Martin Luther”, gives his dates of birth and death, and identifies him as “Pfarrer in Joachimsthal”. The final line notes that the plaque was donated by his native community on the 400th anniversary of his death.
The design is simple and focuses entirely on the textual message without any pictorial elements.
Restoration
The plaque is preserved in good condition and constitutes an important testimony of historical remembrance. It commemorates not only Johannes Mathesius but also the enduring cultural ties between Joachimsthal and Rochlitz.
