St. Josef

St. Josef Church in Völklingen, Saarland, Germany, stands as a testament to the rich heritage and enduring faith of its community. This Catholic parish church, dedicated to St. Joseph of Nazareth, is not just a place of worship but also a significant cultural landmark. Recognized as a single monument in the Saarland's list of monuments, St. Josef Church invites visitors to explore its storied past and architectural beauty.

The History of St. Josef Church

The journey of St. Josef Church began in 1894 when a church building association was established in Wehrden, then part of the Catholic parish of St. Eligius Völklingen. The goal was clear: to raise funds for the construction of a new church. By 1897, the plans designed by architect Wilhelm Hector from Saarbrücken-St. Johann were set in motion. The construction took place between 1897 and 1899, and on May 9, 1903, the church was solemnly consecrated by Bishop Michael Felix Korum of Trier.

Wehrden's religious landscape changed significantly on March 19, 1906, when it was separated from the mother parish of Völklingen and elevated to an independent parish. Over the years, the church has undergone several restorations and renovations to preserve its structure and enhance its interior, particularly after the damage it sustained during World War II. Notable renovations include the restoration from 1945 to 1950, alterations in the altar area from 1960 to 1965, and the most recent restoration works in 2007.

Architectural Marvel

St. Josef Church is a stunning example of Neo-Gothic architecture, constructed as a three-nave basilica. Its architectural elements include a tower with a pointed helmet, a long nave, and a polygonal chancel. The nave itself is divided into five bays, each adorned with four-part ribbed vaults that add to the church's majestic ambiance.

The church's interior is equally impressive, featuring a celebration altar and ambo crafted in 1965 by woodcarver Heribert Müller from Geislautern. The high altar, a wooden folding altar, depicts scenes from the childhood of Jesus, including the Nativity, the Presentation in the Temple, the Flight into Egypt, and the Finding in the Temple. When the side wings are folded, they reveal Old Testament scenes from the life of Abraham. The altar area was further enhanced in 2000 by artist Horst Rams and master sculptor Gordon Schnur, who incorporated new altar, ambo, and tabernacle designs.

Remarkable Artifacts

Among the church's most treasured artifacts is a baptismal font dating back to 1672. Originally used as a birdbath in the parish garden until the end of World War II, it was restored and reinstated as a baptismal font during the 1945-1950 restoration. The church also houses eight terracotta statues, which were repainted after the Second Vatican Council but have since been restored to their original splendor. These statues depict saints such as Aloysius Gonzaga, John the Baptist, Catherine of Alexandria, and Jude Thaddeus on the right side, and Anthony of Padua, Barbara of Nicomedia, Elizabeth of Thuringia, and Nicholas of Myra on the left.

In the rear of the church, a finely carved wooden memorial commemorates the fallen and missing soldiers of World War I. The side altars and Stations of the Cross, which were plastered over during the Second Vatican Council, have been gradually restored, adding to the church's historical and artistic significance. Additionally, the nativity scene created by hobby artist Eduard Schreiner in 1979 is a beloved feature during the Christmas season.

The Organ

The church's organ has a fascinating history. In 1905, the parish acquired a Baroque organ built by Johann Michael Stumm in 1729 for the Agnetenkloster in Trier. After the dissolution of the monastery, the organ was installed in the Trier Cathedral. In 1930, Edmond Alexandre Roethinger from Strasbourg built a new organ within the original Stumm casing. The current organ, constructed in 1995 by Hugo Mayer Orgelbau from Heusweiler, retains the Stumm casing and some of Roethinger's pipework. This instrument features 22 registers across two manuals and a pedal, with mechanical action and electric stop action.

The Bells

St. Josef Church's bells have also seen their share of history. The original three bells were requisitioned for the war effort in 1917 during World War I. Despite the economic challenges of the post-war period, three new bells were acquired in 1922, only for the two largest to be taken again during World War II in 1942. In 1954, the church received four new bells, which continue to call the faithful to worship.

St. Josef Church in Völklingen is more than a place of worship; it is a beacon of history, culture, and community. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to this remarkable church promises to be a rewarding experience. The church's enduring legacy and its role in the community make it a must-see destination in Saarland.