Saint Martin Church

Saint Martin Church, known locally as St. Martinus, is a magnificent landmark situated in the heart of Greven, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. This historic church is not only the oldest but also the largest Catholic parish in the city, with its roots stretching back to the 8th century. It stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural evolution of the region, captivating visitors with its storied past and impressive structure.

The Origins and Historical Significance

The origins of Saint Martin Church are deeply intertwined with the early Christianization of the Münsterland region. The church is believed to have been founded by Saint Liudger, the first bishop of Münster, around the year 792. This was a period when Charlemagne had entrusted the Münsterland to Liudger for further Christianization. The initial church built around 800 was a modest wooden structure located on the so-called Kirchberg. However, this early church eventually decayed and was replaced in the 12th century by a more durable Romanesque stone church.

The Romanesque tower, which still stands today, is a formidable structure with walls two meters thick and a height of 68 meters. It served not only as a religious symbol but also as a defensive stronghold for the people of Greven, especially during tumultuous times like the Thirty Years' War, when the church was looted and set aflame by soldiers. Remarkably, the tower withstood the destruction and provided refuge to the townsfolk.

Architectural Marvels

The oldest surviving part of the Saint Martin Church is the baptismal chapel located in the Romanesque lower level of the tower. Here, visitors can find a simple yet historically significant baptismal font dating back to 1680. The tower itself was later heightened and adorned with a Welsche Haube (an onion-shaped dome) after the Thirty Years' War, which was restored following damage during World War II.

Adjoining the tower is the late Gothic, three-aisled nave, a splendid example of a stepped hall church. The side aisles, originally straight, now open into a generous neo-Gothic extension constructed between 1890 and 1892. This expansion necessitated the removal of the old choir, making way for a large crossing square flanked by two narrower transepts. The new chancel is a three-aisled hall choir with a broad central aisle and two smaller side aisles, creating a centralized structure with rectangular chapels in the corners of the transepts and side choirs.

Inside the church, the columns in the new section are matched in height to those in the old section, with the differing vault heights ingeniously balanced by vertical continuation of the transverse arches. The transept ends feature large church windows, designed in 1991 by Karl-Martin Hartmann, depicting abstract themes such as Noah's Ark in the northern transept and Heavenly Jerusalem in the southern transept.

Artistic and Religious Treasures

Saint Martin Church houses several artistic and religious treasures. In the left side aisle of the extension, a statue of Saint Joseph from the former Saint Joseph Altar of 1909 can be found, while the right side aisle features a tabernacle stele. The altar area has been adapted to modern liturgical practices and is visually separated from the pre-conciliar choir by a crucifixion group from 1722, crafted by Johann Wilhelm Gröninger. This area is now used for services involving smaller groups.

The Organs and Bells

The church is home to two organs, both built by organ builder Matthias Kreienbrink. The large organ on the gallery, constructed in 1958, boasts 41 registers on three manual works and a pedal, with electro-pneumatic cone chests. The choir organ, built in 1957, has 12 registers on two manuals and a pedal, with electric action and register controls. From the main organ's console, the choir organ can be played on the fourth manual.

The tower of Saint Martin Church also houses a six-bell bronze chime, cast in 1990 by the Eifel bell foundry. This new bell ensemble, funded by a bequest to the church, replaced the previous four-bell chime and adds a harmonious dimension to the church's soundscape.

Community and Modern Developments

Saint Martin Church is not just a historical monument but a vibrant center of community life. It serves as the main parish church for the Saint Martinus parish, which encompasses nearly all of Greven, except for the small district of Gimbte. The parish has undergone several changes over the years, including the integration of other church sites and the adaptation of its facilities to meet contemporary needs. Despite these changes, Saint Martin Church remains a beacon of faith and tradition in the heart of Greven.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to Saint Martin Church offers a profound glimpse into the past and a connection to the enduring legacy of this remarkable community landmark.