Martinskirche

Nestled in the heart of Kornwestheim, Baden-Württemberg, the Martinskirche, also known locally as St. Martin, stands as a testament to centuries of architectural evolution and historical significance. This venerable church, with its roots tracing back to the 7th century, offers a captivating glimpse into the past and a serene place of worship for the present.

The Historical Tapestry of Martinskirche

The story of Martinskirche is a rich tapestry woven through various historical epochs. The earliest incarnation of the church dates back to around 630/640 AD, when a wooden structure was erected over a stone grave. This initial building was modest in size, measuring 9.80 by 4.5 meters, and featured a rectangular choir. It is believed to have been constructed over the final resting place of a Merovingian nobleman, who met a violent end.

By the mid-8th century, the wooden church was replaced by a more substantial stone structure. This second phase saw the construction of a stone hall church with dimensions of 12.70 by 7.70 meters, complete with an apse and glazed windows. The transition from wood to stone marked a significant advancement, although the original grave was partially plundered during this period, likely due to the political upheavals of the time.

The third phase of construction, around 1100 AD, brought further expansion under the patronage of the Hirsau Monastery. A larger hall church with a square choir was built, and the first documented mention of Martinskirche appears in a donation deed to Hirsau. By the 12th and 13th centuries, a Romanesque choir vault was added, enhancing the church's architectural complexity.

A devastating fire in the second half of the 13th century necessitated another rebuild. The fourth phase saw the construction of a new church with a rectangular choir and a choir tower above it. This iteration of the church, measuring 22.70 by 9.5 meters, included the addition of late Gothic windows and portals between 1481 and 1495 under the guidance of Pastor Jakob Böhmler.

The Architectural Marvels of the Fifth Phase

The fifth phase, spanning the late 15th century to 1516, was marked by ambitious plans under master builder Hans von Ulm. Although the envisioned new nave was never completed due to financial constraints and the tumult of the Peasants' War of 1525, the choir and side tower were realized. This period also saw the introduction of the Reformation in Württemberg in 1534, transforming Martinskirche into a Protestant place of worship.

Subsequent centuries brought moderate extensions and renovations. By the end of the 16th century, the nave was extended westward, and new windows were installed. A significant renovation between 1881 and 1882 introduced Jugendstil elements to the interior, including a vaulted ceiling and galleries in the choir and nave.

The most transformative renovation occurred between 1967 and 1968, when the church underwent a major overhaul. The north wall from the 13th century was preserved, while the south wall was moved 2.5 meters southward. The nave was centered within the church, and a new main entrance with a staircase leading to the west gallery was added. The Gothic choir remained unchanged, and a new tympanum depicting St. Martin sharing his cloak with a beggar was installed above the main entrance.

The Splendor of the Interior

Inside Martinskirche, visitors are greeted by a stunning Gothic net vault in the choir, adorned with five colorful keystones depicting saints. The north side of the choir houses a sacrament house, reconstructed from fragments found during the 1968 renovations. A bronze sculpture of St. Martin sharing his cloak resides within, embodying the church's dedication to its namesake.

The church's windows are a visual feast, designed by artists Rudolf Yelin and Kohler in collaboration with the Stuttgart-based Atelier für Glasgestaltung V. Saile. The west side features a large round window depicting the Archangel Michael battling a dragon. The choir windows illustrate biblical scenes, while the north side windows portray Old Testament stories. The south side windows depict the early church and the Ascension, offering a rich narrative tapestry for visitors to explore.

The Musical Heartbeat of Martinskirche

Music has always played a central role in the life of Martinskirche. The first organ was installed in 1682, followed by a new Walcker organ in 1841. In 1968, a new two-manual organ with 25 registers and 2000 pipes, built by Friedrich Weigle, was installed in the choir. The organ was relocated back to the west gallery during the 2021 renovation, ensuring that the church's musical legacy continues to resonate.

The Towering Presence

The church's tower, standing at approximately 45 meters, has undergone several transformations. Originally a defensive structure, it received an onion dome in 1773 and a pointed, 21-meter-high spire in 1881/1882. The tower is crowned with a gilded weathercock, and large clock faces adorn all four sides, keeping time for the community.

A Place of Remembrance and Reflection

Martinskirche is not just a place of worship but also a site of remembrance. The south side of the church features several memorial plaques honoring significant figures associated with the church, including Pastor Jakob Böhmler, theologian and inventor Pastor Philipp Matthäus Hahn, and missionary Rudolph Lechler.

Today, Martinskirche stands as a beacon of history, faith, and community in Kornwestheim. Its walls echo with the stories of the past, while its doors remain open to all who seek solace, reflection, and a connection to the rich tapestry of history that this remarkable church embodies.