Digital donations: New terminals at St Petri and St Jakobi
Five churches, seven towers – and a constant need for restoration. To support the preservation of Lübeck’s city centre churches, the 7Türme+ Foundation is trialling two new digital donation terminals at St Petri and St Jakobi, alongside the systems already in place at the Cathedral and St Marien. The new devices were purchased by the Foundation and made available to the churches.
A standardised system
“For the 7Türme+ Foundation, it is important to have a direct presence in the churches and to collect donations there,” explains Dr Jan-Dirk Verwey, chairman of the new foundation. The aim is to install digital donation terminals in all the city centre churches. Donation terminals were already installed in the Cathedral and St Mary’s as part of the previous campaign, though by two different providers. “In the long term, we would like to establish a standardised system across all five churches under the 7Türme+ umbrella brand, so that we can collect donations centrally and via a single platform for the preservation of the buildings. Digital solutions are essential today, and as a young foundation, we are happy to support the parishes in expanding this important channel.
A great gift and a great task
“As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and as a church that is almost 800 years old, we at St Jakobi are very grateful for the support from the 7Türme+ Foundation,” says Reverend Bärbel Reichelt. The current damage to the tower cannot be covered by church tax funds. “Every donation made via the new donation terminal helps the seven towers.” Pastor Lilly Schaack from St Petri also emphasises: “The five city centre churches with their seven towers are a great gift – and a great responsibility. We thank the foundation for the new donation terminal and all the donors. Without them, we would not be able to preserve the seven towers in the long term.”
Focus on structural preservation
The pilot scheme for the new donation kiosks focuses primarily on the structural preservation of the five churches. At the same time, tests are being carried out to see how the kiosks can be used for specific projects and temporary campaigns – such as the current restoration of the spire at St Jakobi. “The systems can be controlled via an app, meaning the user interface can be adapted quickly and flexibly,” explains the foundation’s chairman. Donations can be made using all standard digital payment methods. Anyone who wishes to do so can then leave their contact details and receive updates on the progress of the restoration work.
An invaluable contribution
The current focus is on the restoration of the cathedral towers, the interior of St Mary’s Church and the restoration of the spire at St Jakobi. “It’s wonderful that the 7Türme+ Foundation exists and that so many people are getting involved with ideas for the towers. The parishes couldn’t bear the costs on their own. It’s reassuring to know that the foundation brings together resources, donations and commitment,” says Cathedral Vicar Margrit Wegner. Robert Pfeifer, pastor at St Mary’s, adds: “The 7Türme+ Foundation makes an invaluable contribution to the preservation of our city centre churches. It helps us to safeguard the buildings’ structural integrity and highlight their value to the city’s community. We are very grateful for this reliable support. Anyone can easily contribute to this important cause via the donation terminals.”
