2023-10-05 09:57:33
Things are crumbling at Michel: Now a “heavenly squad” is supposed to help out there. But he needs a lot of money. And that shouldn’t come from above, but from the people of Hamburg.
The St. Michaelis Foundation fears for the stability of the iconic Hamburg Michel. Cracks have formed in the roof and tower cornice of the main church of St. Michaelis, which are continuing to widen due to frost and corrosion. The foundation announced this on Wednesday.
Things are not looking particularly good above the head of the Archangel Michael above the main entrance: severe cracks have formed there, which should be repaired before winter.
According to the “Abendblatt”, due to the dilapidated condition, a piece of concrete measuring around 1.50 meters long, 40 centimeters wide and weighing 200 kilograms could fall from the Michel – if the landmark is not repaired soon.
The renovation of the entire roof and tower cornice is scheduled to begin in spring 2024 and will cost around one million euros. 500,000 euros are to be financed from donations. A large donation from patron Hannelore Greve and a legacy of 400,000 euros will help finance the remaining work.
The foundation itself apparently cannot raise the money for the renovation: one reason is said to be the recently reduced income from church taxes by around 15 percent.
“Michel angels” are supposed to repair the landmark
“When the Michel was rebuilt after it was completely destroyed by fire in 1906, the stamped concrete from which the cornice is made was considered a durable building material. After a good 100 years, we have to extensively renovate it and hope for the help of many people who love the Michel is close to our hearts,” said lead pastor Alexander Röder.
In order to raise the missing money, the foundation set up a “heavenly construction team”. Seven “Michel Angels” with special skills will work in the construction team and will take over the management of the most important trades.
With a donation at www.michel-stiftung.de, anyone can become a “Heavenly Helper” and symbolically provide the construction crew with hours of work. Half an hour of work costs 35 euros, which can be promised once or for the duration of the construction period. Around 7,000 working hours have to be financed.
Transparency note: An earlier version of the article stated that the Catholic archdiocese in Hamburg is behind the Michel. However, it is a Protestant church.
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