The Provost Church St. Peter und Paul, known locally as St. Peter und Paul, stands as a beacon of history and spirituality in the heart of Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This venerable church is not only the oldest in Bochum but also ranks among the twelve oldest churches in Westphalia, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or ecclesiastical art.
The origins of the Provost Church St. Peter und Paul date back to the late 8th century when Emperor Charlemagne established an imperial court on the grounds. Adjacent to this court, a wooden chapel dedicated to Saint Peter was likely constructed, marking the beginning of this sacred site’s storied history. By the 11th century, the wooden structure had been replaced with a stone church.
Tragedy struck on April 25, 1517, when a fire devastated the church. Rising from the ashes, the church was rebuilt in 1547 as a late Gothic hall church, incorporating elements of the original Romanesque choir. For nearly a century, until the completion of the Protestant Pauluskirche in 1659, it served as the sole church for both Catholic and Protestant congregations in Bochum.
The architectural journey of the Provost Church St. Peter und Paul is one of resilience and transformation. In 1766, the church tower underwent restoration, and between 1872 and 1874, significant expansions were made, including the addition of a transept, a polygonal choir, and a sacristy.
The church’s role as a trigonometrical point of the second order in the 1880s highlights its importance beyond spiritual realms, serving as a central point in the Prussian land survey system. The 20th century brought further challenges and changes, with a fire in 1920 and extensive damage during World War II. Restoration efforts spanned from 1947 to 1959, during which the side aisles were extended and two new chapels were added.
Stepping inside the Provost Church St. Peter und Paul is like entering a living museum of religious art and history. The interior was completely renewed between 1976 and 1977, adding a touch of color and modernity while preserving its historical essence. The altar island was brought forward, and the restoration of the altars continued, offering a vibrant yet respectful homage to its past.
Among the treasures housed within the church is the magnificent five-sided winged altarpiece from around 1884, featuring linden wood reliefs depicting scenes from the life of Christ. The wooden cross altar, crafted by Theodor Brockhinke in 1884, showcases a Mercy Seat using parts of a Christ figure from the 13th or 14th century.
The church’s 68-meter-high tower is a defining feature of Bochum’s skyline. Before the destruction of World War II, it was adorned with stone parapets and corner turrets. Today, it houses five large cast steel bells, produced by the Bochum Association, each with its unique tone, creating a harmonious symphony that resonates through the city.
The Provost Church St. Peter und Paul is home to an array of notable artifacts. The Marian altar by Brockhinke, featuring a Rosary Madonna painted by Franz Ittenbach in 1875, is a testament to the artistic heritage preserved within these walls. The reliquary shrine, dating back to around 1100, is another highlight, with its silver and gold-plated copper panels and late Gothic apostle figures.
The stone sacrament house from around 1460 and the Romanesque baptismal font from circa 1175, adorned with crude reliefs from the life of Christ, are further testaments to the church’s rich historical tapestry. The wooden crucifix, known as the Bladenhorster Cross, carved in 1352, and the oak lamentation group from around 1520, add depth to the church’s collection of sacred art.
The church’s musical heritage is embodied in its organ, built between 1958 and 1959 by organ builder Franz Breil. The instrument, with its 44 registers on four manuals and pedal, underwent modifications in 1974, transforming the breastwork into a swell and expanding its capabilities. This organ continues to enrich services and concerts, attracting music lovers from near and far.
In conclusion, the Provost Church St. Peter und Paul is not just a place of worship; it is a cornerstone of Bochum’s cultural and historical landscape. Its walls have witnessed centuries of change, resilience, and renewal, making it an unmissable destination for those seeking to connect with the past while appreciating the enduring beauty of sacred art and architecture.
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