We arrived just in time to listen to the organist practice a gorgeous Bach Toccata and Fugue on the huge organ. In this chancel is one of the very few—if only— paintings of the presentation of the Augsburg Confession. You can see just the edge of it in this picture. Many ancient graves are located here, including the grave of Nicholas von Amsdorf, the courageous Lutheran confessor, a lifelong ally and friend of Luther who also lived through the Smalcaldic War and the Interims, remaining true and faithful.

All around this church are huge Bible verses preaching the Gospel. The St. George Church (Georgenkirche) was founded by Landgrave Ludwig III and is first mentioned in an official document dating from 1182. Luther sang in the school choir in this church from 1498-1501. He preached in the church on April 9 or 10, 1521, on his way to Worms. During the Peasant War the church was burned and only the exterior walls were left standing. From 1554-1560 the Georgenkirche was restored and consecrated as the first Lutheran church in Thuringia. Located to the left of the sacristy in the choir area is the memorial to Nicolaus von Amsdorf.

On to Erfurt...