St. Mariä Himmelfahrt

St. Mariä Himmelfahrt, also known as St. Marien, stands as a beacon of history and architectural evolution in the charming town of Ahaus, located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This Roman Catholic church is not just a place of worship but a testament to the resilience and artistic prowess of its community through the centuries.

The Historical Journey of St. Mariä Himmelfahrt

The roots of St. Mariä Himmelfahrt stretch back to the 14th century when the first Catholic church was erected in Ahaus. Unfortunately, this initial structure was destroyed by a fire in 1400. Rising from the ashes, a new three-aisled church was constructed, crowned with what remains today as its iconic 68-meter tower, built between 1498 and 1519. This tower, made of sturdy sandstone, has withstood the test of time, standing tall as a symbol of endurance and faith.

The church faced another devastating challenge in 1863 when a city fire ravaged the Gothic nave. However, the resilient spirit of the Ahaus community prevailed. Within the surviving outer walls, the church was reconstructed as a three-aisled, four-bay Neo-Gothic brick hall church with a two-bay, straight-closed choir. The dedication of the new structure took place on November 20, 1865. The reconstruction costs amounted to 35,000 Thalers, with a substantial contribution from the fire insurance and the remaining funds raised through local efforts and a diocesan-wide collection organized by the Ahaus citizen and district administrator Maximilian von Kerckerinck zur Borg.

In 1896, the church saw further expansion with the addition of a third aisle. Despite these enhancements, structural issues plagued the nave, leading to a significant decision in the early 1960s. On June 5, 1963, after an on-site inspection with Vicar General Laurenz Böggering, it was decided to demolish and rebuild the nave. The estimated cost for this project was 600,000 DM, with financial support from the city of Ahaus and the General Vicariate of Münster, supplemented by generous donations from the parishioners.

A Modern Architectural Marvel

On February 28, 1965, the last Holy Mass was celebrated in the old nave before its demolition. The cornerstone for the new building was laid on September 19, 1965. Designed by Cologne architect Erwin Schiffer, the new structure was consecrated by Bishop Joseph Höffner on August 7, 1966. The modern design of the church, characterized by its bright, rectangular concrete structure and all-around louvered facades with stained glass, stands in stark contrast to its historic tower. The windows, crafted by Georg Meistermann, add a vibrant touch to the contemporary design.

Notable Features and Artifacts

While the church's liturgical furnishings predominantly date back to the 1965 reconstruction, several older artifacts have been preserved. Among these is a 300-year-old sandstone cross, originally positioned on the south side of the earlier church and later used as a cemetery cross, now housed within the church. The north wall features a depiction of St. Anne with the Virgin and Child, dating back to around 1700. This piece was used for the Annenaltar during the Corpus Christi procession until 1969.

Other historical items include two reliefs from the Neo-Gothic side altars, a baptismal font from the old church, and a tympanum with the alliance coat of arms of the Horstmar-Ahaus family from the 14th century, located in the entrance hall of the old tower. Additionally, a historicist Perpetual Help icon, a Baroque cross rediscovered during the 1965 demolition, and four half-reliefs of the Evangelists from the Baroque pulpit of the Gothic church are also preserved.

At the junction of the tower and the new building, two stone tablets from 1865 commemorate the city fire and the subsequent reconstruction of the church. The tower houses a four-bell bronze chime cast by Petit & Edelbrock in 1948, with a tone sequence of b° – c′ – d′ – es′.

The Majestic Organ

The church's organ, built by Orgelbau Fleiter from Münster, incorporates 31 registers from its predecessor. The instrument boasts 37 registers (plus four transmissions and an extension) across three manual works and pedal. It features various couplers and a setting system with 4096 combinations, making it a magnificent addition to the church's musical heritage.

St. Mariä Himmelfahrt is more than just a church; it is a living chronicle of Ahaus's history, resilience, and artistic evolution. Its blend of Gothic and modern architectural elements, coupled with its rich collection of historical artifacts, makes it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and architecture aficionados alike. Whether you are drawn by its storied past or its striking modern design, a visit to St. Mariä Himmelfahrt promises a journey through time and a deeper appreciation of Ahaus's cultural heritage.