Spieß, Bernhard

Protestant clergyman, teacher, writer

Born: 28.03.1845 in Fleisbach

Died: 25.12.1906 in Bierstadt

Spieß studied theology and philosophy in Tübingen and Erlangen. After passing his exams and gaining his doctorate, he attended the theological seminary in Herborn.

From 1866, Spieß served as parish vicar in Kronberg. Three years later, he took up a position as a religion teacher at the Philippinum grammar school in Weilburg. In 1876, Spieß moved to the Wiesbaden grammar school. In addition to his teaching role, he managed the grammar school library from 1884 and was appointed senior teacher in the same year. The highlight of his career was the award of the title of professor in 1893.

Spieß was involved in many associations and charitable organizations. As a member of the prison association, he worked as a preacher and chaplain at the district court prison from 1890-1904. He was involved in the publication of the magazine for Protestant religious education and the "Monatsblätter" of the Comenius Society and was a keen student of theology and the history of religion, including Luther's relationship with Nassau. His main work was the translation of the writings of Michael Servet, a Spanish physician and theologian of the 16th century.

In 1905, he suffered a severe stroke and asked for early retirement. He died as a result of a second stroke.