St. Severin

St. Severin in Königswinter, located in the picturesque region of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, is a striking example of neo-Romanesque architecture and a testament to the area's rich historical tapestry. This magnificent church, standing proudly on the west side of Mainzer Straße, is not only a place of worship but also a monument under heritage protection, drawing visitors from near and far.

The Historical Evolution of St. Severin

The history of St. Severin is as captivating as its architecture. The first recorded mention of a predecessor building in Mehlem dates back to 1181. This early structure, however, did not survive the ravages of the Thirty Years' War. The second church, built on the same site, met a fiery end during a lightning strike on February 19, 1860, leaving only the tower intact. The resilient spirit of the community led to the construction of the current church by district architect Paul Richard Thomann, completed by 1863. The newly erected tower, now the tallest between Koblenz and Bonn, became a beacon of faith and resilience.

Architectural Marvels and Renovations

St. Severin's interior underwent significant changes over the years, particularly during the 1929 renovation led by Bernhard Gauer. His artistic vision brought new life to the church's interior with vibrant murals, including the half-figure of the blessing Christ the King and apostle images in the apse. In 1968, structural issues necessitated another closure and renovation. This time, the altar, tabernacle, and Madonna were relocated to the side aisle opposite the newly established south portal. A wooden ceiling replaced the old vaults, and the apse was repurposed as a secondary room, with additional space created through extensions near the south portal.

The most recent renovation, starting in 1998, saw the church realigned ad orientem, with the apse floor and altar elevated. The tabernacle and Madonna found new homes in the side aisles, and the sacristy entrance was repositioned. A new wooden vaulted ceiling was installed, and the arches, ribs, keystones, and capitals were adorned with fresh ornaments. The church also received a modern lighting system, enhancing its serene ambiance. The tower room was reconfigured to provide direct access to the old gallery and tower ascent, with the baptismal font placed in this space. Wrought iron grilles now partitioned individual rooms, allowing the church's vestibule and prayer room to remain open during the day.

Rolandswerth's Connection to St. Severin

Rolandswerth, the northernmost district of Remagen, has a long-standing association with the parish of Mehlem, dating back to the 17th century. However, the French occupation of the Rhineland in 1794 and the subsequent dissolution of the Archdiocese of Cologne in 1801 by Napoleon led to Rolandswerth being reassigned to the newly established French Diocese of Aachen. Despite numerous petitions, it wasn't until 1847 that the community was reunited with Mehlem, thanks to the intervention of the Bishop of Trier, Wilhelm Arnoldi. This reunion was solidified with a compensation payment to the parish of Oberwinter.

The Enchanting Marienfenster

In 2002/03, St. Severin was graced with a new stained glass window, the Marienfenster, above the main portal. This semicircular window was created to commemorate the 25th pontificate anniversary of Pope John Paul II. The inscription at the bottom attests to this: 25 years John Paul II. 2002-2003 Year of the Rosary. The window was designed by local artist Irene Rothweiler and crafted by the glass painting company Dr. Heinrich Oidtmann in Linnich. Made from antique glass, it depicts the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child, surrounded by three stylized flowers representing the Rosa Mystica of the Litany of Loreto and the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. The four strings of pearls (blue, red, yellow, and white) symbolize the four rosaries: the joyful, the sorrowful, the glorious, and the luminous. These pearl strings are made of glass prisms, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to the church.

The Majestic Organ

The organ at St. Severin, built in 1974 by the organ-building company Johannes Klais (Bonn), is a marvel of musical engineering. It boasts 23 sounding registers, slider chests, mechanical playing and register action, and a free-standing console. The first manual spans the normal range (C–g3), while the second manual extends seven tones lower (to Contra F). In addition to normal couplers, hand stops, and two free combinations, the organ features a five-fold mechanical setter, making it a versatile and powerful instrument for liturgical and concert performances.

The Resonant Bells

The sturdy tower of St. Severin houses a peal of four bells. The oldest bell, cast in 1864 by Christian Claren of Sieglar, survived both World Wars. After the losses of the First World War, three new bells from the Junker & Edelbrock bell foundry in Brilon were added in 1924. These, however, were requisitioned during the Second World War. In 1953, the Bochumer Verein cast three new steel bells, harmonizing with the remaining Claren bell, thus restoring the church's full peal.

In conclusion, St. Severin in Königswinter is not just a church; it's a beacon of history, art, and faith. Its walls tell stories of resilience and renewal, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the rich cultural heritage of Nordrhein-Westfalen. Whether you're drawn by its architectural splendor, its historical significance, or its serene ambiance, St. Severin promises an unforgettable experience.