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St. Andreas

St. Andreas Korschenbroich

St. Andreas

St. Andreas Church in Korschenbroich, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, is a captivating blend of historical significance and architectural beauty. This Roman Catholic parish church, dedicated to the Apostle Saint Andrew, stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. The parish community of St. Andreas is part of the Gemeinschaft der Gemeinden (GdG) Korschenbroich, which includes other parishes such as St. Dionysius Kleinenbroich, St. Georg Liedberg, Herz Jesu Herrenshoff, and St. Marien Pesch. While the parishes in Korschenbroich belong to the Diocese of Aachen, the parish of St. Pankratius in the district of Glehn is part of the Archdiocese of Cologne.

The Historical Tapestry of St. Andreas

The origins of St. Andreas Church may trace back to the remnants of an ancient Roman structure. Excavations around the church have uncovered Roman walls and foundations, suggesting that the site might have housed a villa rustica or a Gallo-Roman temple. The absence of residential artifacts like ceramics or animal bones supports the temple theory. By the 10th century, a church was built using Roman materials such as bricks, Brohler tuff, and Liedberger sandstone.

In 1471, a late Gothic three-nave church was constructed, and in 1504, the iconic 46-meter-high church tower was added, making it the oldest surviving structure in Korschenbroich. The tower, with its three floors of tuff and brick, symbolizes the wealth and pride of the parish community. The patronage of St. Andreas belonged to the Myllendonk lordship from the 15th century until 1795.

As the congregation grew, the late Gothic hall church was demolished in 1888, sparing only the brick tower, which was incorporated into the new church built between 1890 and 1892. This new structure, a neo-Gothic pseudo-basilica made of brick, was consecrated by Auxiliary Bishop and later Cardinal Anton Fischer of the Archdiocese of Cologne.

During the bombings of World War II, the church was severely damaged, with the entire nave destroyed in the night of August 22-23, 1943. Reconstruction efforts between 1947 and 1949 restored the church to its former glory. Comprehensive renovations from 1982 onwards have given the church its current form, including the creation of an octagonal altar island.

The Splendor of St. Andreas' Interior

The heart of St. Andreas Church is the celebration altar, crafted from a robust marble block entwined with a skillfully designed root network, symbolizing its deep connection to the earth. The altar, adorned with eucharistic symbols of ears of wheat, grapes, and a peacock image, stands on the altar island just below the crossing, serving as a focal point for both sacrifice and thanksgiving.

The apse's window depicts the resurrection victory of the crucified Messiah, while six apostle portraits (Andrew, Peter, James the Elder, Bartholomew, Thaddeus, and Philip) by Italian artist Viktor Seroner, created in 2001/2002, grace the west side of the church. Hermann Gottfried's portal window features an image of a sacrificial lamb.

During renovations in 1982/83, a burial chamber was discovered in the central aisle, now covered with intricate bronze grilles, believed to have been an honorary burial site for the Myllendonk nobility. The ornate baptismal font from the late 19th century, located in the left side apse, was given a new lid by artist Ernst Rasche in 1983, retaining the original dove symbol of the Holy Spirit.

The tabernacle, designed as a stele, resides in the right apse, with both the stele and its enclosure crafted by Ernst Rasche. In 1998, a baroque altar, missing for 125 years, was reinstalled at the choir's apex. This altar, believed to date from the mid-17th century, was meticulously restored along with its oil paintings, adding to the church's historical richness.

The transformation and acquisition of sacred art masterpieces were championed by Pastor Alois Müller, who led the parish from 1974 to 2005 and continued as a subsidiary of the GdG until his death in 2017. In his honor, the former church square was renamed Pfarrer-Müller-Platz.

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The Majestic Organ of St. Andreas

Little is known about the early organs of St. Andreas Church. Records mention the removal of an organ from the choir in 1645 and the installation of a new one in 1783. A 26-register organ built by Rudolf Ibach in 1843 was lost when the old church was demolished in 1890. Heinrich Dautzenberg constructed a new organ in 1892, which suffered during World War I when 93 pipes were confiscated.

In 1929, Johannes Klais of Bonn built a new organ, inaugurated in June of that year, featuring a free pipe prospect, electro-pneumatic cone chests, and 32 registers. This organ was destroyed in the 1943 bombings. Klais built another organ in 1953, which was later modified and expanded by Fischer & Krämer, reaching 44 registers by 1977. Additional modifications and a Rückpositiv were added in 1984, with further updates in 1999 and 2000 by Romanus Seifert & Son.

The most recent organ, reorganized by Weimbs in 2019/2020, features a new four-manual console, expanded from 49 to 79 registers, including a Chamadenwerk. This instrument is among the largest symphonic organs in the Rhineland, with electronic play and register actions.

The Resonant Bells of St. Andreas

The oldest recorded bell from St. Andreas dates back to 1635, bearing the inscription of Johanna Katharina Elisabetha, Countess of Bronkhorst, and cast by Franz of Trier. This bell was recast in 1815 due to a crack. Bells from 1815 and 1851 were lost to World War I efforts. The current bell ensemble continues to resonate, marking the passage of time and calling the faithful to worship.

St. Andreas Church in Korschenbroich is not just a place of worship but a beacon of history, art, and community spirit. Its walls and artifacts tell stories of faith, resilience, and the enduring legacy of a vibrant parish community. A visit to this magnificent church offers a profound glimpse into the spiritual and cultural heart of Korschenbroich, making it a must-see destination for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike.

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