Historical figures: Historical figures: Johannes Bugenhagen: Luther's companion

Johannes Bugenhagen became one of the most influential figures of the Reformation alongside Martin Luther. Apart from being Luther’s pastor and confessor, Bugenhagen was blessed with outstanding organ-izational skills.

Bugenhagen was born in 1485. In 1521, he left his home in Pomerania and moved to Wittenberg, where he became close friends with both Luther and Melanchthon. He produced and oversaw many important documents on the Protestant church reform.

Bugenhagen is immortalized as a confessor on the right of Cranach’s altarpiece in St Mary’s Church. After Martin Luther’s death, Bugenhagen took care of his widow and children.

Bugenhagen House is located on Kirchplatz. Johannes Bugenhagen lived there as the first pastor of the Reformation until his death in 1558. His epitaph can be seen in St Mary’s Church. (mz)