Sculpture

The pulpit, with pictures of Jesus and the evangelists, in the church of St. Eckard at Stedten was given in 1711 by Schultheiß Fröbel, who was a carpenter and glazier.

stedtenpulpit

This village church stood before the Reformation, which was introduced to Stedten in 1529. The Gothic construction is from the 15th century, and may be as early as the 12th century.

font1575

The baptismal font of 1575 is decorated with lilies, which are a symbol of purity of heart.

Ancient arms of Hammelburg
Ancient arms of Hammelburg with the cross of the Abbey of Fulda and three lilies, called the crest of Simplicius

Baptismal fonts were symbolically placed prominently at the entry of a church. It is through the gift of this sacrament that God miraculously washes away our sins, works faith in our hearts and brings us into the family of believers. The baptismal font is a symbol of God’s love, and a comfort and assurance.

The use of natural light has been a critical design element in Lutheran churches, because natural light spilling in from clear glass or stained windows is used to symbolize God’s presence and enhance the natural, earthy qualities of places of worship.

The church St. Eckard
The church St. Eckard in the village of Stedten an der Ilm is one of the oldest in the district.