Replica of the Oskar von Miller Cross inaugurated at St. Leonhard Church

Created: 04/14/2022, 13:40

By: Maximilian Geiger

Marveling at the new cross (from left): Felix Mittelhammer, Andreas Lohde, Erich Raff, Matthias von Miller, Marie von Miller, Tim Lukas Heldeisen and Jan Hoppenstedt.

© Geiger

Fürstenfeldbruck – It was March 30, 1893, Maundy Thursday, when a more than human-sized cross shone for the first time over the entrance to the St. Leonhard Church in Fürstenfeldbruck.

At that time, the cross with the 120 white and red light bulbs was a gift from Brucker honorary citizen Oskar von Miller, a civil engineer and pioneer of electrification.

Since then it has illuminated the Church year after year during the Easter season. 

However, due to technical defects and security reasons, it has not adorned the church for several years.

Instead, it is now on permanent loan to the municipal museum.

A worthy replacement was consecrated on April 13 in front of the Leonhard Church by Pastor Otto Gäng and installed by the municipal works over the church portal.

In addition to Mayor Erich Raff, Stadtwerke Managing Director Jan Hoppenstedt and representatives from politics and the museum, representatives of the von Miller family also attended the event.

Stadtwerke employees attached the cross to the facade of the Leonhard Church.

© Geiger

Around 70 working hours

In around 70 working hours, four trainees from the public utility company – Tim Lukas Heldeisen, Felix Mittelhammer, Adrian Masing and Florian Biller – designed and implemented the cross as part of a training project under the direction of their trainer Robert Schweitzer.

The project was suggested by City Councilor Andreas Lohde so that the trainees "also work on the object, not just in theory".

Just like the original, the new cross made of aluminum is more than human-sized, and 133 LED lamps now make the crucifix shine.

The result is a good example of the practical training of the municipal utility, Hoppenstedt praised the four prospective electronics technicians and added: “The municipal utility was founded 130 years ago.

In the anniversary year, we want to commemorate our founder and his activities in Brucker Land with the replica of the Oskar von Miller cross.”

OB Raff and descendants of Oskar von Miller enthusiastic

Lord Mayor Raff was impressed by the new cross and called it "a revaluation of the city".

Miller's granddaughter Marie von Miller, who was named after the wife of the Brucker honorary citizen, and her son Matthias von Miller were just as enthusiastic about the precise reworking of the original cross.

"You did a sensational job," he said in praise of the trainees.

"My great-grandfather would certainly have enjoyed the design and the electrical engineering installed."

In addition, Matthias von Miller was pleased "that not only the dignitaries, but also the youth" who worked on the cross were present at this solemn act.

"That would certainly be in the spirit of my great-grandfather."

As a thank you, Matthias von Miller, who had completed his training as a confectioner, presented each of the trainees and their trainer with a home-made prince regent cake with the likeness of his famous ancestor Oskar von Miller.

Maximilian Geiger