Golden Master Craftsman Certificates awarded in St. Gangolf: 23 lifetime achievements honored

50 years after passing their master craftsman's examination, 23 craftsmen and craftswomen have been awarded the Golden Master Craftsman's Certificate by the Trier Chamber of Crafts.

Half a century after passing their master craftsman's examination, the stage belonged to them once again: In St. Gangolf Church in Trier, the Trier Chamber of Skilled Crafts awarded 23 master craftsmen and women with the Golden Master Craftsman's Certificate. Together with their families, they celebrated this special milestone. Among the guests were numerous representatives of the skilled trades from the region, including representatives from the district association of skilled crafts, the guilds, and the Trier Chamber of Skilled Crafts.

The celebration highlighted the close connection between craftsmanship, tradition, and social responsibility. "But this isn't about folklore," clarified Bernd Elsen, President of the Chamber of Skilled Crafts . The historic guild banners adorning the church were an expression of a vibrant relationship between church and craft, one that continues to be characterized by shared values. Pastor Dr. Markus Nicolay officiated at the ceremony in the guilds' patronal church.

Five decades of professional dedication

With the Golden Master Craftsman's Certificates, HWK President Bernd Elsen and Managing Director Axel Bettendorf honored 23 craftspeople for five decades of professional dedication. When the honorees passed their master craftsman's examinations in 1976, color television was becoming commonplace in living rooms, the VW Golf was conquering the roads, and digitalization was still a thing of the future. Since then, they have witnessed the evolution of their trades, built and developed businesses, mastered technological upheavals, and passed on their knowledge to the next generation.

"They have created something of exceptional value that endures to this day," said Elsen. He was referring not only to buildings, roads, windows, and doors, but also to businesses and jobs. Many of those honored had also dedicated themselves to guilds, associations, or local politics for many years . "They have made a significant contribution to the trades, society, and the people," Elsen summarized.

The location for the ceremony could hardly have been more fitting. Since the Middle Ages, the region's craftsmen have been closely associated with St. Gangolf . The church, adorned with historic guild banners, provided a dignified setting for a celebration that unites tradition and the present year after year. Bernhard Kaster, chairman of the board of trustees of the St. Gangolf market and civic church , recalled the church's special connection with the region's craftsmen.

The Golden Master Craftsman Certificates were far more than an award that afternoon: they represented half a century of craftsmanship, responsibility and commitment.

Background: Awarding Golden Master Craftsman Certificates Background More information about the celebration and the names of the honorees can be found online here.
Image gallery Photos of the presentation of the Golden Master Craftsman Certificates can be found in the HWK photo gallery. 

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Further news from the district of the Chamber of Crafts Trier