Heilige Familie

In the charming district of Stetten in Lörrach, Baden-Württemberg, stands a unique architectural gem—Heilige Familie Church. This modern Roman Catholic church, dedicated to the Holy Family, offers a fascinating glimpse into mid-20th-century ecclesiastical architecture and the evolving needs of a growing community. Though it was deconsecrated in 2016, the church remains a point of interest for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

A Journey Through Time

The story of Heilige Familie Church begins amid the post-war population boom in Stetten. In 1957, responding to the rapid growth, Father Knebel of the St. Fridolin parish appealed to the Archdiocese of Freiburg for a new church to serve the burgeoning community. By 1964, the green light was given, and the foundation stone was laid in November 1965. The church was completed in 1966 and consecrated in 1967 by Auxiliary Bishop Karl Gnädinger.

Designed by architect Wilhelm Frank, the church was the first in the Archdiocese of Freiburg to utilize prefabricated construction techniques. This innovative approach not only reduced costs—430,000 Marks for the shell—but also allowed for a swift construction process. Frank’s design philosophy emphasized simplicity and functionality, a hallmark of the era’s architectural trends.

Architectural Features

Heilige Familie Church is composed of two main structures. The main hall, with its gabled roof, is set back from the road, creating a serene approach to the sacred space. Attached to the north is a lower wing housing the sacristy. A separate, cube-shaped bell tower made of exposed concrete stands closer to the street. This 24-meter-high tower is adorned with a simple metal cross and features small, slit-like openings on its upper floors, which house the bell chamber. Each of the four sides of the tower displays a metal clock face, adding a practical element to its design.

Artistic and Liturgical Elements

The interior of the church is equally captivating. The entrance features a two-winged portal made of raw cast iron, symbolizing the twelve gates of the Heavenly Jerusalem. This, along with the high altar, ambo made of shell limestone, a large bronze crucifix above the altar, and the sacrament house, were all crafted by the Ravensburg artist Josef Henger. The baptismal font, created by local artist Matthias Buchhaas, adds a personal touch to the sacred space.

The church’s atmosphere is further enhanced by its 120 square meters of colorful stained glass windows, designed by artist Emil Wachter. These windows depict scenes from the New Testament, beginning with the life of Jesus at the altar wall and concluding with the Passion. A notable piece on the north side is a square Pentecost painting, offering a vibrant narrative of faith.

The Bells and the Organ

The church once housed a three-bell chime, crafted by the Friedrich Wilhelm Schilling foundry, tuned to the notes fis′, a′, and h′. In 1995, the community’s musical aspirations were realized with the installation of a new organ by the Johannes Klais Orgelbau company. This organ, featuring twelve sounding stops on one manual, was a significant addition, celebrated with a concert on Palm Sunday of that year.

A New Chapter

Despite its architectural and artistic significance, declining attendance led to the cessation of regular services in 2009. The parish sought alternative uses for the building, and from 2013, it temporarily hosted services for the Evangelical Johannesgemeinde. However, with no sustainable tenant found, the Archdiocese of Freiburg applied for its demolition in 2016, with plans to replace it with a community facility for refugees and asylum seekers.

The church was officially deconsecrated on October 17, 2016, with the removal of its relics. The bells and organ were relocated, and the remaining church inventory was removed, marking the end of its role as a place of worship. Today, the heritage-listed church and its surrounding 18-acre plot are up for sale, awaiting a new purpose.

Conclusion

Heilige Familie Church stands as a testament to a period of innovation and community spirit in post-war Germany. Its modern design and artistic elements reflect a unique chapter in ecclesiastical architecture, while its story speaks to the changing dynamics of urban communities. Whether you’re an architecture aficionado or a history enthusiast, a visit to this intriguing site is sure to provide insight into the cultural and social evolution of Lörrach’s Stetten district.