Liebfrauenkirche Recklinghausen

The Liebfrauenkirche Recklinghausen, known in the local language as Liebfrauenkirche, stands as a striking example of neo-Gothic architecture in the heart of Recklinghausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. With its towering spire reaching 75 meters into the sky, this Roman Catholic parish church has been a central landmark of the eastern part of the city since its consecration on October 19, 1903. The church has been under monument protection since 1987, preserving its historical and architectural significance for future generations.

The History of Liebfrauenkirche Recklinghausen

The origins of the Liebfrauenkirche Recklinghausen are intertwined with the rapid industrial growth of the late 19th century. With the establishment of the General Blumenthal coal mine in 1873, the population in the area surged, necessitating the construction of a new church to accommodate the burgeoning community of miners and their families. Heinrich Phil genannt Sanders, a local landowner, generously donated four acres of land for this purpose.

Initially, a temporary church known as the Rosenkranzkirche was erected on Castroper Straße 43 (then Suderwicher Straße 43), consecrated on October 9, 1900. This half-timbered structure soon became popularly known as the Liebfrauenkirche. The design and construction of the permanent church were entrusted to the Recklinghausen architect Franz Lohmann, who began work in 1901. The church's original interior paintings were the work of the renowned church painter Augustin Kolb, although these were later removed.

Architectural Marvel and Location

Perched on a hill opposite the former Liebfrauengrundschule, the Liebfrauenkirche Recklinghausen is a sight to behold. The church is flanked by the parish house, the Liebfrauen kindergarten (part of the Triangel Liebfrauen family center), and the parish hall. The church grounds are bordered by Liebfrauenstraße, Rosenstraße, and Neuhillen, with multiple access points including a main entrance at the base of the tower and a barrier-free entrance for those with mobility impairments.

The church's architecture is characterized by its three-aisled hall design, where the nave and side aisles are of equal height, creating a spacious and airy interior. Large windows allow natural light to flood the space, enhancing the sense of openness. The lower part of the tower is square, transitioning to a rounded, pointed spire at the top, adorned with red brick accents. At a height of 45 meters, statues of the Apostles Peter and Paul stand sentinel over the city.

Artistic and Liturgical Treasures

The Liebfrauenkirche Recklinghausen is home to numerous artistic and liturgical treasures. The celebration altar and ambo, created by artist Hildegard Schürk-Frisch, feature intricate designs inspired by Gothic window arches. The altar legs are adorned with scenes from the life of Mary, including the Nativity, the Annunciation, the Wedding at Cana, and Mary with the body of Jesus, encouraging worshippers to focus on the essence of their faith.

The church's high altar, dating back to 1904, stands at an impressive nine meters tall and six meters wide. The side panels depict scenes from the life of Jesus, such as the Nativity, the Annunciation, the Breaking of Bread, and the Resurrection. The tabernacle is integrated into the high altar, with the choir stalls positioned further forward.

Side Chapels and Stained Glass Windows

In the right side aisle, a large crucifix is displayed, with the Marian altar positioned at the front. This altar, dedicated to the church's patronage, depicts Mary with the Christ Child on her lap, handing a rosary to Saint Dominic. The left side aisle houses a Sacred Heart side altar and the baptismal font, with confessionals converted into confession rooms in the middle of both side aisles.

The church's numerous stained glass windows are a feast for the eyes, with colorful designs that add to the building's beauty. The side aisle windows feature banded patterns, while the choir and side altar windows showcase scenes painted by Friedrich Stummel and his school of painters in Kevelaer. The central window depicts the risen Christ with a victory flag, symbolizing triumph over death, with Christ's red garments representing love and sacrifice. The left window shows Christ praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, with the church's founder, Emperor Henry II, and the Apostles Peter and Paul depicted below. The right window illustrates Jesus' encounter with the weeping women. A window above the left side altar is dedicated to Saint Joseph.

Musical Heritage and Bells

The Liebfrauenkirche Recklinghausen boasts a rich musical heritage, with an organ built by Franz Breil in 1928. This instrument, with its 47 registers, three manuals, pedal, and electro-pneumatic action, underwent modifications in 1980 and further enhancements in subsequent years. The current organ configuration includes 48 sounding voices, preserving some original registers and the neo-Gothic prospect.

The church's slender west tower houses a five-bell chime, cast in steel by the Bochumer Verein. The three larger bells, pitched ais°, cis′, and e′, date back to 1922, while the two smaller bells, pitched fis′ and gis′, were added in 1958.

A Vibrant Parish Community

The Liebfrauenkirche is part of the Liebfrauengemeinde, a parish community of approximately 7,700 souls. In 2010, the parish merged with the St. Petrus Canisius parish, forming a united parish council and maintaining two parish offices. This vibrant community continues to thrive, embracing its rich heritage while looking forward to the future.

The Liebfrauenkirche Recklinghausen is not just a place of worship; it is a testament to the city's history, a beacon of architectural beauty, and a hub of community life. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, this remarkable church offers something for everyone. Its towering spire, exquisite interiors, and vibrant parish life make it a must-visit destination in Recklinghausen.