Innenstadt I in Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, Germany — Central Europe
Philipp Jacob Spener
1635-1705
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, September 23, 2019
1. Philipp Jacob Spener Marker
Kirchen- und Sozialreformer
Senior der Lutherischen Pfarrer Frankfurts 1666-1686,
Grόnder des ersten Frankfurter Armen-Waisen-und Arbeitshauses
Verfasser der Pia Desideria
Er wirkte an der Barfόsserkirche / Die
bis zum Jahre 1786 an Dieser Stelle stand
an seinem 275. Todestag
-
Church- and social reformer,
Senior Lutheran Pastor of Frankfurt, 1666-86
Founder of the first orphanage/workhouse for the poor in Frankfurt,
Author of Pia Desideria.
He worked at the Barfuesser Church, which stood on this site until 1786.
(Erected on) the 275th anniversary of his death
Erected 1980.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is January 13, 1635.
Location. 50° 6.661′ N, 8° 40.856′ E. Marker is in Frankfurt am Main, Hessen (Hesse). It is in Innenstadt I. It can be reached from Paulsplatz. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Paulsplatz 11, Frankfurt am Main HE 60311, Germany. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Paulskirche / St. Paul's Church (here, next to this marker); Pre-Parliament and the National Assembly (a few steps from this marker); Walter Kolb (a few steps from this marker); Heinrich von Gagern (a few steps from this marker); John F. Kennedy Spoke Here (a few steps from this marker); Theodor Heuss (within shouting distance of this marker); Altes Rathaus - Old Town Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Democracy and the Gymnastics Movement (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frankfurt am Main.
Also see . . .
1. Philipp Spener (Wikipedia). "Philipp Jakob Spener (13 January 1635 – 5 February 1705), was a German Lutheran theologian who essentially founded what would become to be known as Pietism. He was later dubbed the "Father of
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, September 23, 2019
2. Philipp Jacob Spener Marker - wide view
Located on the east side of the entrance to St. Paul's.
2. From the Archives: The Pia Desideria (Pious Desires) (Christianity Today). "The Pia Desideria or “Heartfelt Desire for God-pleasing Reform” is the classic statement of Pietism. First published in 1675 by Philip Jacob Spener of Frankfurt on Main, it is both a devotional work and a textbook on church renewal." (Submitted on December 10, 2019.)
Additional keywords. Pietism Gedenktafel
image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons, 1676
3. Title page of 1676 edition of Pia Desideria
The left third of the marker (see Photo 1) depicts a title page of Pia Desideria that was printed in Frankfurt in 1676. This title page is presumably upon what that depiction is based.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 614 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 10, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
