St. Vincentius

St. Vincentius Church in Dinslaken, nestled in the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a captivating blend of historical significance and architectural splendor. This Roman Catholic parish church, dedicated to Saint Vincent of Valencia, stands proudly as a protected monument and a testament to centuries of religious and cultural heritage.

The Historical Tapestry of St. Vincentius

The origins of St. Vincentius trace back to a humble chapel first mentioned in 1390. By 1436, the Duke of Cleves confirmed the separation of Dinslaken from its mother church in Hiesfeld, and a year later, the first mention of a parish priest in Dinslaken was recorded. The mid-15th century saw the construction of the original parish church, a late Gothic three-aisled hall church with a distinctive 5/8 choir closure. The imposing tower, flanked by two chapels since 1492 and 1512, received a new baroque-style cap in 1924. Although partially destroyed in 1945, the surviving structure was incorporated into an expanded, contemporary rebuild in the 1950s, designed by the renowned Cologne church architect Otto Bongartz.

An Architectural Marvel

The modern St. Vincentius Church, completed between 1950 and 1951, features a flat-roofed brick hall with a parabolic chancel arch oriented westward. The design ingeniously integrates the eastern bays and the polygonal eastern choir of the predecessor church, constructed from field-fired bricks. The Gothic section saw its floor elevated during the reconstruction, and the polygon was repurposed into a baptismal chapel. This seamless blend of old and new creates a unique architectural narrative that enchants visitors and worshippers alike.

The Splendid High Altar

The high altar in the new west choir is a masterpiece, featuring a carved retable from the post-1470 era, crafted in a Brussels workshop. The shrine and the inner sides of the wings depict Passion scenes, while the outer sides showcase the four Evangelists. The altar's stipes and predella, adorned with figures, were built in 1853 by Christoph Stephan. The shrine underwent a new polychrome finish between 1852 and 1854, with the paintings restored in 1883. The neo-Gothic canopy was removed during the 1950-1952 restoration, allowing the altar's original beauty to shine through.

The Majestic Triumph Cross

The origin of the Triumph Cross, featuring a large crucifix, is subject to debate. Once believed to be a Rhenish work from around 1400, recent publications suggest it aligns more closely with Maasland crosses from the Diocese of Liège, dating to 1310-1340. After sustaining damage in World War II, the cross has been meticulously restored multiple times, most recently in 2010, revealing remnants of an older color scheme on the corpus.

The Enchanting Organ

Installed in 1999 by the organ-building workshop Romanus Seifert from Kevelaer, the organ at St. Vincentius is a French-romantic instrument with 33 registers on two manuals and pedal. The second manual work (Récit) is swellable, and the organ features mechanical playing actions and electric stop actions, equipped with an 800-fold electronic setter system. The intricate coupling system enhances the organ's versatility, making it a musical treasure within the church.

The Historic Three Crosses

Since 1985, the so-called Three Crosses, late Gothic sculptures made of Baumberger sandstone, have been preserved under a protective roof near the church tower. Originating from a Wesel workshop, these sculptures once marked the end of a pilgrimage route established in 1501. After being dismantled in 1588 and re-erected in Dinslaken in 1652, the sculptures have undergone extensive restorations, now safely stored following the tower's renovation.

Additional Treasures

St. Vincentius is home to several other notable artifacts, including neo-Gothic side altars: the Marian altar by Ferdinand Langenberg (1891/1892) and the Joseph altar by Christoph Stephan (circa 1853). The 15th-century chalice-shaped baptismal font, made of sandstone, has been heavily restored following war damage. The colorful Easter candlestick, crafted in 1682, and two carved angels from the late 15th century add to the church's rich artistic heritage. A statue of Saint Vincent holding a church model, carved from oak in the early 16th century, is another highlight.

The Resonant Bells

The church tower houses six bells, two of which (Vincentius and Maria) were cast in 1785 by the Petit family foundry. The smallest bell, likely cast in the Netherlands, and the largest bell, added in 1954, complement the ensemble. In 2007, two bells from the demolished Christuskirche in Dinslaken were donated to St. Vincentius, enriching the church's auditory landscape.

In conclusion, St. Vincentius Church in Dinslaken is not just a place of worship but a living museum of history, art, and architecture. Its walls echo the stories of centuries past, inviting visitors to explore and reflect on the rich tapestry of faith and culture that defines this remarkable sanctuary.