St. Francis's Church

St. Francis's Church, known locally as St. Franziskus, is a captivating piece of Wetzikon’s cultural and religious heritage. Nestled in the heart of the Zürcher Oberland, this Roman Catholic church stands proudly on Messikommerstrasse 14, just a stone's throw away from the Wetzikon railway station. Its architectural elegance and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this picturesque Swiss town.

The Historical Tapestry of St. Francis's Church

The roots of Christianity in the Zürcher Oberland trace back to the Roman era, with the ruins of an early Christian church still visible at the Roman fort of Irgenhausen near Lake Pfäffikon. The region saw a resurgence of the Christian faith in the early medieval period, thanks to the missionary efforts of Gallus and Columban. Historical documents from 857 mention a church near Wetzikon, although it vanished from records over time. The first known church in Wetzikon was constructed in the early 14th century but was destroyed by fire in 1320. A new church was built in 1330, which later came under the jurisdiction of the Abbey of St. Gall and eventually the city of Zurich.

Following the Reformation in Zurich in 1524, Catholic worship was banned in the region, and the Wetzikon church was repurposed for Protestant services. It wasn't until the Tolerance Edict of 1807 that Catholics were allowed to hold services again, initially only in Zurich. The wave of industrialization in the 19th century brought many Catholics to the Zürcher Oberland, leading to the establishment of several Catholic communities, including the one in Wetzikon.

The Birth and Growth of St. Francis's Church

By 1890, the Catholic population in Wetzikon had grown to around 1,000, necessitating the creation of a local mission station. The first Catholic mass in Wetzikon since the Reformation was held on May 4, 1890, in a converted barn. The community's request for a dedicated church was approved, and land was purchased at Guldisloo. The construction of a parish house with a chapel was completed in 1893, and the chapel was consecrated on August 13 of that year.

Over the following decades, the community worked tirelessly to pay off construction debts and enhance the chapel's interior. Despite a temporary decline in the Catholic population during World War I, plans for a larger church persisted. The cornerstone for St. Francis's Church was laid on July 15, 1923, based on designs by architect Joseph Steiner. The church was consecrated on October 5, 1924, by Archbishop Raymund Netzhammer from Einsiedeln Abbey.

Architectural Splendor

St. Francis's Church is a neo-Romanesque basilica with a three-aisled layout. The bell tower, reminiscent of a campanile, rises gracefully from the church's simple facade, topped with a modified rhombus-shaped roof. The tower houses a set of arched triplet windows, adding to its architectural charm.

Interior Highlights

The church's interior is equally captivating, featuring a wooden coffered ceiling in the main nave. The longitudinal design includes two lower side aisles separated from the main space by rows of columns. The chancel, accessible by a series of steps, hosts a modern altar that harmonizes with the older chancel furnishings.

Stained Glass Windows

The church's 12 stained glass windows, installed in 1965, vividly depict the life and works of St. Francis of Assisi. Each window's color carries symbolic meaning: white for peace, blue for divine grace, red for the Holy Spirit's influence, and green for God's love and mercy. The windows illustrate various religious themes, including the Trinity, the Eucharist, and significant events in the lives of saints like St. Cecilia and St. Catherine of Siena.

The Church Organ

St. Francis's Church boasts a remarkable organ, first installed in 1937 and later replaced in 1975 by a new instrument crafted by Mönch & Söhne of Überlingen am Bodensee. The organ, featuring 1,654 pipes and 25 registers, was designed with input from Siegfried Hildenbrand, the cathedral organist of St. Gallen. It combines mechanical and electrical elements, providing a rich musical experience for churchgoers.

The Bells of St. Francis's Church

The church's bell tower originally housed a small steel bell donated by the Bishop of Chur in 1928. In 1956, a new set of five bells was commissioned from the Erding bell foundry in Munich. Weighing a total of 8,796 kilograms, these bells were consecrated on October 7, 1956, during the church's patronal feast.

The Parish Community

The parish of Wetzikon, which also serves the nearby area of Seegräben, is a vibrant community with over 7,000 members. The church continues to be a focal point for worship and community activities, reflecting its rich history and enduring significance in the region.

St. Francis's Church is not just a place of worship; it is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Catholic community in Wetzikon. Its historical depth, architectural beauty, and vibrant community life make it a cherished landmark in the Zürcher Oberland. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to St. Francis's Church promises a rewarding and enriching experience.