In the heart of Soest, a town rich with medieval charm in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, stands the Brunsteinkapelle. This quaint chapel, a relic of a bygone era, whispers tales of history and spirituality through its ancient stones. As the last of approximately 20 medieval citizen chapels that once adorned Soest, the Brunsteinkapelle is a testament to the town's vibrant past and enduring legacy.
The Brunsteinkapelle first graced historical records in 1225, a gift from the Brunstein family, known as Schonkind. This noble family held the patronage and presentation rights, which were later transferred to the van der Molen family in 1291 and Bernt von Salzkotten in 1399. By 1408, the chapel found itself under the stewardship of the Soest town council, a position confirmed by Archbishop Dietrich von Moers in 1420.
As the winds of religious change swept through Soest, the chapel became a focal point during the Reformation. In 1552, it was repurposed as a place of worship for the distribution of communion in both kinds, earning it the moniker Ketzerkirche or Heretic Church. However, as the congregation outgrew the chapel, services moved to the larger Paulikirche, and the Brunsteinkapelle began its slow decline.
The chapel's journey through time has been marked by periods of neglect and rejuvenation. After the collapse of its chancel vault in 1662, the building was lovingly restored by the Reformed community with funds from the town council. It was rededicated in 1664 by Erasmus Bernhard Avermann from Hamm. The chapel continued to serve the community until 1873, when the congregation relocated to the Alte Thomäkirche, leaving the chapel unused.
In 1932, a significant restoration breathed new life into the chapel, allowing it to host devotions and assemblies once more. The aftermath of World War II saw the chapel serving as a temporary place of worship for the Reformed community until 1958. From 1988 to 1998, it was home to the Evangelical Baptist community. Since 1998, the chapel has embraced a new role as the studio and exhibition space for artist Fritz Risken.
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The Brunsteinkapelle, with its origins in the early 15th century, is a small yet lofty hall with a recessed chancel ending in a 5/8 closure. Its nearly square footprint is punctuated by buttresses at the corners, supporting the structure’s Gothic elegance. The chapel stretches 12 meters in length, 8.8 meters in width, and rises to a height of 10.7 meters.
Visitors are greeted by the intricate tracery windows that pierce the chancel, while a grand pointed arch window graces the southern entrance. Originally adorned with a lead roof, the chapel was re-roofed with slate in 1570. The interior, once vaulted, now features a flat ceiling installed after the 1622 collapse of the chancel vault. The southern entrance hall retains its Gothic charm with a pointed barrel vault.
Inside the chapel, history enthusiasts will find a pulpit adorned with carvings and foliage, inscribed with the year 1553, making it the oldest pulpit in Soest. The baroque altar table, dating back to around 1620, stands proudly with its profiled connection between the heavy baluster feet. Measuring 127 by 77 by 91 cm, it is a fine example of the craftsmanship of its time.
The chapel’s bell, cast in 1727 by the Soest bell foundry Stule, bears the inscription: THE REFORMED COMMUNITY WITHIN SOEST HAD ME RECAST IN THE YEAR 1727. This bell, with a diameter of 36 cm, no longer resides in the roof turret but hangs above the chancel.
Today, the Brunsteinkapelle stands as a symbol of Soest’s rich heritage and artistic spirit. Its selection as the Monument of the Month in January 2001 by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Historische Stadtkerne in NRW underscores its cultural significance. Officially deconsecrated in 2004, the chapel continues to captivate visitors with its blend of historical gravitas and artistic flair.
Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or an art lover, the Brunsteinkapelle offers a unique glimpse into the past while embracing the creative energies of the present. Wander through its storied halls, and let the echoes of history and art inspire your journey through Soest.
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