St. Lambertus

In the heart of Castrop-Rauxel, a charming town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, stands the magnificent St. Lambertus Church. This architectural gem is not just a place of worship but a historical monument that tells the tale of centuries gone by. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, St. Lambertus offers a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of this quaint German town.

The Historical Tapestry of St. Lambertus

The origins of St. Lambertus date back to before the year 1000, when a simple hall church with a rectangular choir was constructed on the Reichshof Castrop. This early structure was a private church for the Counts of Cleves, who held jurisdiction over Castrop. The church was first mentioned by name in 1344, dedicated to Saints Lambert and Blasius. The 12th century saw the addition of a Romanesque west tower, which was later dismantled in 1889. The current sandstone structure, featuring the old church’s northern side aisle, was erected in the 13th century.

As Castrop-Rauxel grew exponentially towards the end of the 19th century, the need for a larger church became apparent. In 1889-1890, the Paderborn Cathedral architect Arnold Güldenpfennig designed a new, single-towered longitudinal building in the Neo-Gothic style, constructed from Ruhr sandstone. This new basilica incorporated the historical elements of the old church, blending the past with the present in a seamless architectural symphony. However, the old tower and southern aisle were demolished to make way for the new construction.

A Glimpse into the Architectural Splendor

St. Lambertus Church is an exquisite example of Neo-Gothic architecture, characterized by its towering spire and intricate stonework. The church is oriented eastward and features a pure longitudinal design without a transept or crossing. The 1926-1933 transformation into a Christus-Rex church introduced new murals and a high altar, although these changes darkened the interior by blocking the side windows of the main choir. A significant renovation from 1982-1984, led by architect Manfred Ludes, restored the original proportions and lighting of the church, adapting it to modern liturgical needs. A new sacristy made of Italian sandstone was also added to the north side during this period.

Artistic Treasures Within

The northern side aisle houses the medieval hall church with its choir and the northern side aisle of the old church. The old choir, adorned with a semi-circular apse and three round-arched windows (designed by Jupp Gesing in 1984), boasts remarkable Romanesque vaulting with notable keystones and capitals. One of the most outstanding features is the sacrament house from 1516, attributed to Berndt Bunickmann from Münster. This masterpiece was restored to its original position on a stone block at the north side of the choir in 1984. The church also contains later saint figures and Baroque-era altar paintings, such as the depiction of St. John on Patmos.

The new church is adorned with murals from 1899-1900 by Felix Schröder of Recklinghausen, which were unveiled once more during the 1982-1983 renovation. The vaults are decorated with depictions of plants, animals, and geometric patterns, while the clerestory murals illustrate scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The vaults also feature instruments of the Passion, with a triumphal cross from 1927 hanging beneath them. The chancel’s Christ-centric theme continues in the apsidal windows designed by Jupp Gesing in 1983. The altar, ambo, baptismal font frame and cover, and the Paschal candle holder are works by Hermann Kunkler from 1983-1984. The right side aisle now displays the former six-winged Beckersche high altar, dating back to March 2014.

The Melodious Bells and Majestic Organ

The church’s bell ensemble consists of five bronze bells, tuned to the notes c'-es'-f'-g'-as'. Bell II was cast in 1919 by the Otto bell foundry in Bremen-Hemelingen, while bells I, III, and IV were cast in 1949 by the Junker foundry in Brilon. The smallest bell (V) was cast in 2005 by Petit & Edelbrock.

The St. Lambertus organ, built in 2005 by the Eisenbarth organ-building company of Passau, is a purely mechanical instrument with 40 registers on three manuals and a pedal. It features multiple couplers and a 2x64-step setter system, along with a crescendo pedal.

A Living Community

St. Lambertus is not just a historical monument; it is a vibrant community hub. The parish belongs to the St. Lambertus parish community, which, along with other local parishes, forms the Pastoral Association Castrop-Rauxel South in the Emschertal Deanery of the Archdiocese of Paderborn. The parish is also a shareholder in the Catholic St. Lukas GmbH, which operates several hospitals and care facilities in the region.

In conclusion, St. Lambertus Church is a beacon of faith, history, and architectural beauty in Castrop-Rauxel. Its rich heritage, artistic treasures, and vibrant community life make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this charming German town.