St. Lamberti, Coesfeld

St. Lamberti Church, nestled in the heart of Coesfeld in the picturesque region of Münsterland, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, is a beacon of historical and architectural splendor. This Roman Catholic parish church, dedicated to St. Lambert, stands proudly at the town's marketplace, inviting visitors to explore its storied past and impressive structure.

The Historical Journey of St. Lamberti

The origins of St. Lamberti Church trace back to the time of Ludgerus, the first Bishop of Münster, who established the original wooden church. Over the centuries, the church has undergone numerous transformations, with its oldest surviving elements being the central nave pillars from the 13th-century Staufian hall church. The church's journey through time is marked by significant events and reconstructions. In the late 15th century, local master builder Henric de Suer expanded the church, adding the two-bay choir with side apses and renewing the side aisles and the nave vault.

However, the church's history is also marked by adversity. In 1635, a November storm toppled the southern tower, and another storm in 1681 brought down the northern tower. Despite these setbacks, the resilient community rebuilt, and by 1703, under the direction of Gottfried Laurenz Pictorius, a new tower was completed, echoing the design of the Jesuit church tower built around the same time.

The Second World War brought further damage, with bombings causing significant destruction to the sacristy and the south aisle vault. Yet, by 1953, the church had been meticulously restored, standing as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Coesfeld community.

The Architectural Marvels of St. Lamberti

St. Lamberti Church is a harmonious blend of Baumberger sandstone and dark red brick, reflecting the architectural styles that have evolved over centuries. The nave, up to the eaves, is constructed from the characteristic Baumberger sandstone, while the transept gables and the hall choir with side apses are built from brick. The main apse is also made of sandstone, adding to the church's distinctive appearance.

The church's west side and the 93-meter-high tower, crafted from brick with sandstone elements, are particularly striking. The baroque-style portal, entirely made of sandstone, is adorned with a depiction of the Coesfeld Cross. Flanking the portal are statues of Ludgerus and Lambertus, dating back to the 1930s.

Outside, the church is adorned with various decorative elements, including reliefs on the buttresses featuring symbols of the Evangelists and the Christ monogram, crowned with finials. The sacristy on the north side, also built of brick, houses an epitaph of the von Graes family from 1497 and a 1705 relief of the Mount of Olives scene by Johann Wilhelm Gröninger.

Interior Treasures and Sacred Artifacts

Inside St. Lamberti, visitors are greeted by an array of sacred artifacts spanning multiple eras. The most significant piece is the Coesfeld Cross, a forked crucifix from the early 14th century, revered for its supposed miraculous properties. This cross, housing a relic of the True Cross, has been a focal point of pilgrimage for centuries.

The church's interior also features remnants of its Romanesque past, such as the wooden ceiling of the tower hall, adorned with ornamental paintings. The tower hall itself showcases two epitaphs by Gerhard Gröninger, depicting the Carrying of the Cross with Veronica and the Descent from the Cross/Pietà. Additionally, four figures from the neo-Gothic cross altar, including Charlemagne and St. Helena, grace the inner tower walls.

Another highlight is the bronze baptismal font from 1504, crafted in the Dortmund foundry of Wiedenbrock. The font bears an inscription in Low German, naming Reinolt Wiedenbrock and Klaes Potgeiter as its creators. The Gothic sedilia on the south wall of the choir, dating back to 1520, and the baroque confessionals and pulpit by Johann Rendeles add to the church's rich tapestry of historical artifacts.

Baroque altar paintings, such as the Adoration of the Shepherds and the Raising of Lazarus, attributed to Johann Veltmann, adorn the north wall of the nave. The south wall features paintings of St. Anne teaching the Virgin Mary to read and St. Joseph with the Christ Child. On the organ loft, a painting of the Descent from the Cross, inspired by Rubens and originating from the nearby Varlar Abbey, captivates visitors.

The Bells and Organs of St. Lamberti

The tower of St. Lamberti houses four bells from the 15th century, forming the oldest complete set of bells in Westphalia. These bells have rung out over Coesfeld for centuries, marking significant events and calling the faithful to worship.

The church's main organ, built by the Gebr. Stockmann company in 1956, features 46 registers across four works (three manuals and pedal) with an electro-pneumatic action. Renovations in 1974, 1988, and 2012 have kept the organ in excellent condition, with minor modifications to its disposition. In 2022, a new choir organ was added, crafted by Orgelbau Fleiter, enhancing the church's musical capabilities.

St. Lamberti Church in Coesfeld is more than just a place of worship; it is a living monument to the town's history, resilience, and faith. Its walls and artifacts tell stories of devotion, artistry, and community spirit, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the rich cultural heritage of Nordrhein-Westfalen.