Matthäuskirche

In the charming town of Backnang, nestled in the heart of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, stands the impressive Matthäuskirche. This evangelical church, with its unique architecture and rich history, has become a defining feature of the town’s skyline, thanks to its towering 36-meter-high bell tower. Built in the early 1960s, the Matthäuskirche is not just a place of worship but a vibrant community center that plays a significant role in the local social and cultural landscape.

The History of Matthäuskirche

Following World War II, the eastern part of Backnang saw the development of new settlements in areas such as Plaisir, Taus, and Plattenwald. The burgeoning population necessitated a suitable place for the growing evangelical community to gather. Initially, the Matthäus congregation held their activities under modest conditions in a school hall and a living room. However, recognizing the need for a dedicated space, the community acquired land in 1952, and by 1959, an architectural competition was held to design the new church.

Architect Heinz Rall won the competition and was tasked with creating a multifunctional space that could accommodate the various needs of the congregation. The foundation stone was laid on May 8, 1960, and the church was officially inaugurated on May 11, 1962. The adjacent parsonage and the freestanding bell tower followed in 1963. The church quickly became a central hub for community activities, including the annual Waldheim retreats held until 1990, after which they moved to a new location in Aspach.

Architectural Marvel

Heinz Rall’s design for the Matthäuskirche is a testament to modernist architectural principles, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. The church's main hall, designed in the shape of a tent, is connected to the community rooms, collectively referred to as the everyday church. This innovative design allows the church to accommodate up to 700 people when the retractable partitions to the community hall are opened.

Visitors enter the church through a broad portal leading into the main hall, which boasts a wide rectangular floor plan. The interior is adorned with narrow reddish-brown pine wood panels that line the tent-like gable roof, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The primary source of natural light is a large glass facade made of mirrored glass tubes at the entrance, complemented by a continuous three-meter-high concrete glass window on the eastern exterior wall. Instead of traditional pews, the church features chairs, adding to the flexible and modern feel of the space.

The altar, crafted from warm sandstone, stands at the center of the front wall, symbolizing the heart of the church. Surrounding the main hall are various community rooms, including a hall for gatherings, club rooms for youth activities, and living quarters for church staff. These rooms open onto an intimate courtyard, providing a serene and enclosed outdoor space for the community.

The church’s location on a slope allowed for the inclusion of three youth rooms and a sexton’s apartment in the exposed basement, each with its own entrance and sunlit outdoor areas. The 36-meter-high bell tower, clad in Dutch bricks and concrete, houses four bells and four clocks, all cast in 1963 by the Bachert bell foundry in Karlsruhe. The tower is topped by a small platform where the four supporting concrete pillars converge like a crown, offering panoramic views over Backnang.

The Organ

For the first 20 years, the church services were accompanied by a small positive organ. In 1982, a new organ, designed and built by organ builder Reinhart Tzschöckel, was installed on the gallery. This magnificent instrument features 21 registers on two manuals and a pedal, enhancing the musical experience of the church services.

Artistic Highlights

The Matthäuskirche is not just an architectural gem but also a treasure trove of art. The crucifix by Karl Hemmeter, the bronze main portal by Ulrich Henn, and the concrete glass wall on the eastern side, titled Matthew Gospel, created by Luitgard Chountras-Müller and Gisela Sternstein-Feucht, are notable highlights. The church also features a small window square above the baptismal font, with a blue base tone symbolizing the baptismal water, created by the same artists.

Other artistic elements include a cross and crown of thorns in the gable triangle by Ulrich Henn, paraments by Robert Eberwein, a large bronze candelabrum by Karl Hemmeter, and an oak wood sculpture titled End of the War by Karl Hemmeter. These artworks not only enhance the church's aesthetic appeal but also provide a deeper spiritual and reflective experience for visitors.

In conclusion, the Matthäuskirche in Backnang is a remarkable example of modern ecclesiastical architecture that seamlessly integrates with the community's social and cultural life. Its unique design, rich history, and artistic treasures make it a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring the region. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply seeking a place of peace and reflection, the Matthäuskirche offers something for everyone.