In the heart of Wermelskirchen, a quaint town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, stands the Evangelische Stadtkirche, an architectural gem that has witnessed centuries of history. This Protestant main parish church is not just a place of worship but a testament to the town's rich cultural and religious heritage.
The origins of the Evangelische Stadtkirche date back to around 1300 when it was first mentioned in the liber valoris. However, the church's history stretches even further back, as evidenced by the Romanesque tower, which dates from the turn of the 11th to the 12th century. Originally dedicated to St. Bartholomew, the church became a Protestant place of worship around 1560, marking a significant shift during the Reformation.
The church's current appearance is a harmonious blend of three distinct artistic periods. The Romanesque tower, with its intricate masonry, features a late Baroque helmet added in the second half of the 18th century. The nave, constructed in the 19th century, showcases the Prussian Neoclassicism style, creating a striking contrast yet cohesive aesthetic with the tower.
The nave of the Evangelische Stadtkirche, built in 1838, is a neoclassical hall structure crafted from natural stone. It stands on the foundations of a former three-nave Romanesque basilica with a three-apse closure, which was demolished shortly before the new construction. The current broad rectangular building, covered with a flat gable roof, is extended to the east by a small apse. The four high arched windows on each side of the nave allow ample light to flood the interior, creating an inviting and serene atmosphere.
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The four-story west tower of the Evangelische Stadtkirche is a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture. Built from sandstone and tuff, the tower features a rich array of decorative elements, including pilasters, round arch friezes, trefoil arch panels, and coupled sound arcades. The second floor houses the Michaelskapelle, a chapel that adds to the tower's historical significance. In 1765, the tower received a new curved hood with a crowning onion tip, enhancing its distinctive silhouette.
The tower's west side boasts a prominent portal, originally the church's only entrance. This round-arched portal, with its three tapering jambs, resembles an ancient triumphal arch, symbolizing the church's enduring legacy.
Stepping inside the Evangelische Stadtkirche, visitors are greeted by a minimalist yet elegant interior. The absence of pictorial representations and the sparing use of decorative elements contribute to a sense of solemnity and reverence. Polygonal pillars support the continuous galleries, creating a three-aisled impression despite the hall structure. The flat ceiling is divided into three sections, with a large central field flanked by two smaller ones above the galleries. The pillars' capitals are adorned with cast-iron acanthus ornaments, some of which were gilded during the last renovation.
The pulpit wall, partially obscuring the apse, is divided by Gothic-style lancet windows. The pulpit, centrally located, extends powerfully above the wall, with its basket and sound cover featuring historicist decor inspired by Gothic and Romanesque models. The semi-circular communion table stands in front of the pulpit wall, serving as a focal point for worship services.
The church's oldest furnishing and the oldest piece of art in Wermelskirchen is the baptismal font, dating back to around 1180. Made from trachyte from the Siebengebirge, the large font, with a diameter of 123 cm, indicates that children were originally fully immersed during baptism. The upper edge of the font features four masked heads representing the four rivers of paradise, while reliefs of mythical creatures, including a two-bodied lion, adorn the sides, symbolizing demonic forces.
The Evangelische Stadtkirche's organ has a storied history, with its central Baroque prospect dating back to 1713, likely built by Peter Weidtmann. Subsequent modifications and renewals were carried out by Christian Roetzel in 1869 and the Gebrüder Euler. In 1942, the Walcker company undertook another renovation behind the historic prospect. The current organ, built in 1969 by the Willi Peter company from Cologne, features three manuals and a pedal, 28 sounding registers, and a mechanical keyboard. Due to defective electronics, the organ was decommissioned in October 2017, with plans for restoration and expansion underway.
In 2016, the congregation acquired an English organ by Peter Conacher from 1906, previously housed in St. Luke's Church in Winnington. This instrument, with 23 registers on two manuals and a pedal, will complement and extend the existing organ.
The Michaelskapelle, located on the second floor of the tower, is the oldest, still-originally Romanesque room in the church. This square room, covered by a cross vault, originally opened into the nave through a double arcade. Since the last renovation in 2002, the chapel has been accessible again, offering a glimpse into the church's ancient past.
The Evangelische Stadtkirche in Wermelskirchen is more than just a church; it is a living museum of architectural styles and historical epochs. Its walls, steeped in history, tell the story of a community's faith and resilience through the ages. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to this remarkable church is an enriching and inspiring experience.
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