Brotherhood of Corpus Christi Society

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In 1384, thanks to the financial support from the bequest of the townsman Heinlin Perksmid, the Kuttenberg religious brotherhood of Corpus Christi was founded. It was modeled after a similar brotherhood founded earlier in Prague.
The brotherhood convinced the elite of Kuttenberg that by financially supporting the construction of religious buildings such as chapels, churches, hospitals, or at least altars, they would secure a lasting and respected position in the city. According to their beliefs, through these means, the burghers could gain not only societal recognition but also heavenly salvation.
Up until then, decisions regarding all church buidings in Kuttenberg were made by the Sedletz Monastery, as well as on burial places or the choice of patrons. However, to the displeasure of the abbot of Sedletz, the members of the brotherhood decided to first build a chapel dedicated to the cult they had chosen themselves. They then planned to begin construction of a new parish church which would also ensure independence from the monastery.
The members of the brotherhood were mostly townspeople, members of important Kuttenberg families such as the Kauffmanns, Polners, Rosenthals, Naazes and Piseks. Sources also mention four priests whose participation ensured the townsmen’s proper spiritual legitimacy.
The brotherhood obtained funds and papal indulgences for the building of the temple thanks to its ties with the Prague Canons and the Prague Chapter. This enabled the members to influence spiritual matters, while at the same time defending their other power interests.

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