St. Maria Magdalena

St. Maria Magdalena Church in Goch, located in the picturesque region of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture that has withstood the tests of time and calamity. This three-naved church, with its rich history and intricate design, stands as a testament to the resilience and faith of the local community.

The Early History of St. Maria Magdalena

The origins of St. Maria Magdalena Church can be traced back to the early 14th century. The oldest parts of the church, the central and northern naves, were consecrated in 1323, according to records from the Goch church archives. However, it is believed that a church existed on this site even earlier, as Goch had become an independent parish around 1200. The church's main nave, known as the high nave, was constructed in the 15th century, driven by the town's flourishing textile industry, which necessitated a larger place of worship.

A Turbulent 17th Century

The 17th century was a challenging period for the Catholics of Goch. Despite 80% of the population being Catholic, the city's magistrate was composed entirely of non-Catholics from 1617 onwards. During this time, from 1600 to 1621, the church was shared with the Reformed community. After 1621, the Catholics regained exclusive use of their church, while the Reformed community was given the Beguine convent on Mühlenstraße.

The church was richly adorned with up to 17 altars, reflecting the town's wealth from the textile industry. However, in 1625, the church suffered significant damage during the iconoclasm led by soldiers of the Governor of Nijmegen, Lambert Charles. The soldiers, angered by the church's closure to their Reformed co-religionists since 1621, destroyed almost all the interior furnishings, including the altars, pulpit, statues, and stone monuments. Only a few items survived this destruction: the old sacrament house, the baptismal font from 1516, a statue of the Madonna and Child from the 14th century, and a statue of Saint George.

Reconstruction and Modern Challenges

The church's interior was gradually restored in the 17th and 18th centuries, with notable additions such as the Baroque pulpit. However, the church suffered severe damage again in 1945 during World War II. The explosion of a pillar caused damage to 14 of the 22 vault fields. The church was restored to its original form in 1959.

For centuries, the churchyard served as the city's cemetery, where both Catholics and Protestants were buried. In 2003, a decade after a significant disaster, the church tower was rebuilt in a modern style, crowned with the cross from the previous structure, which was found in the rubble.

The Tower Collapse of 1993

One of the most dramatic events in the church's history occurred on May 24, 1993, when the 67-meter-high tower collapsed at 2:27 AM. Remarkably, no one was injured, as the church had been used for a service just the evening before.

The collapse was a shocking event for the local community. The then-pastor, Johannes Baptist Ludes, witnessed the disaster firsthand from the nearby rectory, where his study was severely damaged by a large stone. The tower's collapse destroyed the organ, the gallery, and three of the five bells, and it toppled onto the adjacent rectory.

An investigation by a commission of experts from the Diocese of Münster revealed that the collapse was caused by a combination of factors. Weathering and cracking in the masonry, damage from fires, war impacts from 1944, the forces exerted by the bells, an earthquake on April 13, 1992, and changes in the masonry due to repairs all contributed to a chain reaction that led to the tower's collapse. The estimated damage was 20 million Deutsche Marks.

Modern-Day St. Maria Magdalena

Despite these challenges, St. Maria Magdalena Church remains a vital part of the Goch community. In 2015, a new organ was installed, built by the Seifert organ building company from Kevelaer. This instrument features 39 stops (2,433 pipes) on three manuals and a pedal, with mechanical action and electric stop action. The organ was consecrated on the Feast of Christ the King on November 22, 2015.

The church's bells, housed in the newly constructed tower, include six bells with the tones h0, d1, e1, fis1, a1, and h1. These bells were cast by the Petit & Gebr. Edelbrock bell foundry in Gescher, except for the bells with the tones fis1 and a1, which survived the tower collapse.

St. Maria Magdalena Church is not just a place of worship; it is a symbol of endurance and community spirit. Its walls tell a story of faith, resilience, and the unwavering commitment of the people of Goch to preserve their heritage. A visit to this historic church offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Goch's past and a testament to the enduring power of faith and community.