City church Herborn

The City church Herborn, known locally as Evangelische Stadtkirche Herborn, stands as a beacon of medieval architecture and religious history in the charming town of Herborn, located in the state of Hessen, Germany. Nestled on a hillside in the western part of the town, this church not only offers spiritual solace but also a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Herborn’s past.

The Historical Tapestry

Dating back to around 1200, the City church Herborn was first mentioned in historical records in 1219. Originally dedicated to St. Peter and later to Our Lady (Unserer lieben Frau), the church was a significant religious center in the Nassau residence city of Herborn. In 1231, it was gifted to the Teutonic Order, who held possession until 1578.

From its Romanesque origins, remnants of the early structure still exist in the form of the west tower and the lower sections of the two choir towers. These towers, however, were partially dismantled between 1811 and 1822, and now end under a broad roof. The Gothic choir, with its distinctive five-sided apse, was constructed in 1318, featuring wall paintings that were uncovered in 1909. Initially, the choir had a flat ceiling, which was vaulted later at the end of the 15th century by the stonemason Michael Eseler.

With the advent of the Reformation, Nassau adopted the Reformed faith, necessitating a radical transformation of the church’s medieval structure, originally designed for Roman Catholic masses, into a preacher's church. This transformation took place between 1598 and 1601 under the direction of Konrad Rossbach and Count Johann VI of Nassau-Dillenburg. The side aisles of the original basilica were raised to the same height as the main nave, creating a flat ceiling supported by beams and two pairs of columns resting on the foundations of the former arcades. The installation of double-tiered galleries on three sides of the nave and a single gallery in the choir increased the seating capacity, giving the church a nearly square floor plan. The pulpit was strategically positioned at the triumphal arch.

Architectural Marvels

One of the notable features of the City church Herborn is its blend of architectural styles, reflecting the various phases of its construction and renovation. In 1751, the Gothic sacristy was converted into a crypt chapel for Princess Isabelle Charlotte of Nassau-Dillenburg. The Romanesque west tower collapsed in 1787, and its reconstruction, delayed by the Napoleonic Wars, was completed in 1822 under Friedrich Ludwig Schrumpf. The neo-Gothic windows on the south side were added during the 1909 restoration led by architect Ludwig Hofmann.

The church houses numerous grave slabs, monuments, and epitaphs, predominantly for pastors, students, and professors of the Hohe Schule. Among these is a neo-Gothic epitaph for Caspar Olevian, dating back to 1887. The church is recognized as a cultural monument under the Hessian Monument Protection Act.

The Magnificent Organ

The City church Herborn boasts a rich musical heritage, with its first organ documented in 1637, built by the local organ builder Ph. Horn. Although details about this initial instrument are scarce, it set the stage for future developments. In 1889, Friedrich Weigle from Leinfelden-Echterdingen constructed a new organ with 23 registers on two manuals and a pedal.

The current organ, crafted by E. F. Walcker & Cie. in 1966 as Opus 4520, features 50 registers on three manuals and a pedal. Equipped with slider chests, mechanical action, and electro-pneumatic stop action, the organ is situated on the western section of the three-sided first gallery. The console, positioned about a meter away from the organ case and facing it, allows for the placement of a choir around it, facilitating choral direction from the console.

The organ’s symmetrical, slightly concave facade, designed by organ expert and architect Walter Supper, harmonizes with the colors of the gallery railings. The facade showcases the Hauptwerk in five partially two-story fields in the upper center, with the Brustwerk concealed behind three fields of vertical wooden slats. The pedal works are displayed in two tall fields on either side, while the Schwellwerk is hidden behind the Haupt- and Brustwerk. The pipe mouths form a descending pattern from the outer edges to the center, creating a space above the central lowest pipe, occupied by a Zimbelstern.

Intonation was handled by Maier and Heintz, who later established their own workshops. A cleaning in 1990 saw the renewal of the Hautbois 8′, Trompete 8′, and Mixtur IV–VI registers, with the old Mixtur pipes reconfigured into the Hauptwerk’s Quinte. The organ’s disposition includes various couplers, free combinations, and effect registers like the Zimbelstern, ensuring a versatile and rich musical experience.

A Visit to Remember

Visiting the City church Herborn offers more than just a spiritual journey; it is a voyage through centuries of history, architecture, and music. Whether you are an aficionado of historical architecture, a lover of sacred music, or a curious traveler, this church stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Herborn’s cultural and religious heritage. Its walls, adorned with stories from the past, invite you to explore and immerse yourself in the rich narrative of this remarkable edifice.