St. Michael

St. Michael's Church in Salzgitter, a captivating blend of history, architecture, and spirituality, stands as a testament to the resilience and faith of its community. Nestled in the district of Lebenstedt in Lower Saxony, this Catholic church, dedicated to the Archangel Michael, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the area's rich cultural tapestry.

The Historical Journey of St. Michael's Church

The story of St. Michael's Church begins in the late 1930s, a period marked by significant population growth in Lebenstedt. This surge was driven by the establishment of the Reichswerke AG for ore mining and ironworks Hermann Göring in July 1937, which attracted a large number of Catholic workers from various parts of Germany and abroad to the predominantly Protestant village. At that time, Lebenstedt was part of the parish of St. Peter in Wolfenbüttel, located about 17 kilometers away. Initially, pastoral care was limited to house visits due to the absence of church facilities.

In 1939, Adolf Hitler decreed that no churches could be built in the newly developing city, even prohibiting the designation of future church building plots. Despite these restrictions, Catholic church records began to be kept in Lebenstedt as early as 1938. By Ascension Day 1940, Catholic services were being held in the hall of the Lebenstedt inn Heinemann's Höhe. On October 1, 1940, the parish vicarage Reichswerke-Hermann-Göring-West (later renamed Lebenstedt) was established, with Josef Mettler from Wolfenbüttel serving as the first parish vicar.

However, in the autumn of 1941, the Gestapo banned services in the inn. That same year, a wooden barrack built in 1940 in the northern area of Lebenstedt, known as Section V, was acquired and converted into an emergency chapel, which eventually evolved into the parish of St. Joseph. In September 1942, the Gestapo permitted services in the hall of the Wolf inn in Lebenstedt, which continued until Christmas 1946. Following World War II, the number of Catholics in Lebenstedt increased further due to the influx of refugees and displaced persons. Services in the old village of Lebenstedt were then held in a barn converted into an emergency chapel.

Construction and Consecration

The land for the church was purchased in 1951, and the foundation stone was laid in early April 1953. The church was consecrated on December 20, 1953, by Bishop Joseph Godehard Machens. By 1954, the rectory was built. On April 1, 1955, Lebenstedt separated from the parish of Wolfenbüttel and became an independent parish named St. Michael, and on April 1, 1960, it was elevated to parish status. In 1968, the parish hall was constructed next to the church. In 1975, the church was remodeled in accordance with the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council and was newly consecrated on May 16, 1975, by Auxiliary Bishop Heinrich Pachowiak. In 1983, the church received its bell tower, which was equipped with a clock in 1998.

Since November 1, 2006, St. Michael's Church has been part of the parish of St. Joseph, and the parish of St. Michael was dissolved in this context. Since July 1, 2007, the church has belonged to the newly established deanery of Goslar-Salzgitter, previously part of the deanery of Salzgitter.

Architectural Highlights and Artistry

The church, designed by architect Wilhelm Fricke from Hanover, who also rebuilt the war-damaged Hildesheim Cathedral in the 1950s, is a striking example of post-war ecclesiastical architecture. In 1975, Claus Kilian redesigned the tabernacle, altar, ambo, and main entrance door. The church features a statue of the Virgin Mary (1954) and Stations of the Cross (1956) by Ludwig Nolde from Osnabrück. A relief depicting St. Hedwig, created by Erich Jaekel from Frankfurt in 1975, adds to the church's artistic charm. The organ, built around 1976 by Gebrüder Hillebrand Orgelbau, provides a rich musical accompaniment to the liturgy. The altar windows, designed by Franz Pauli in 1963, depict the Second Coming of Christ. A depiction of the Archangel Michael, created by Joseph Krautwald in 1977, adorns the west gable. The 30-meter-high bell tower, completed in 1983 along with the consecration of five bronze bells in November of that year, is a prominent feature of the church. A small chapel, situated between the nave and the tower since 1983, offers a serene space for reflection.

A Community Hub

St. Michael's Church is more than just a place of worship; it is a vibrant community hub. The church's catchment area includes the Catholic kindergarten St. Hedwig, located about 1.3 kilometers away on Swindonstraße 100. This connection underscores the church's commitment to nurturing faith and education within the community.

In conclusion, St. Michael's Church in Salzgitter is a beacon of faith, history, and community spirit. Its architectural beauty, historical significance, and vibrant community life make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the rich cultural heritage of Lower Saxony. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, St. Michael's Church offers a profound and enriching experience.