Reformierte Kirche Wettingen

In the charming town of Wettingen, Switzerland, nestled amidst lush greenery and picturesque landscapes, stands the Reformierte Kirche Wettingen. This church, a beacon of the Protestant Reformation in the region, is not just a place of worship but a testament to the historical and cultural evolution of Wettingen. Built in 1939, this church has been serving the Evangelical Reformed parish of Wettingen-Neuenhof for decades, offering a serene and spiritually uplifting environment for its congregation.

The Historical Prelude

The history of the Reformierte Kirche Wettingen is deeply intertwined with the broader historical context of Wettingen itself. After a brief period of Reformation influence in the early 16th century, Wettingen remained predominantly Roman Catholic until the mid-19th century. The establishment of a teachers' seminary in the former monastery in 1847 and the subsequent wave of industrialization brought a resurgence of Protestantism to the town. Initially, Protestant services were held in the seminary, but with the founding of the Reformed Church Association of Wettingen-Neuenhof in 1877, the community gained the right to hold services in the monastery church.

By 1920, the association had evolved into a full-fledged parish, and in 1926, they acquired land near the train station to build their first rectory. This plot of land, which was largely undeveloped at the time, would later become the site of the Reformierte Kirche Wettingen.

The Construction Phase

The church’s construction began in 1939 on the land purchased by the parish in 1925. The design competition for the church was won by Zurich architect Walter Henauer. However, the outbreak of World War II posed significant challenges. The original plans for the church included a tower that was meant to be 18 meters high, but due to the need for building materials for wartime fortifications, the tower was scaled down to 14 meters. Despite these challenges, the construction was completed with a budget of 220,000 Swiss Francs, funded through a combination of church collections, and subsidies from the federal, cantonal, and municipal governments.

The Church Building

The Reformierte Kirche Wettingen is characterized by its simple yet elegant architectural style. The interior of the church is designed to be bright and unadorned, creating a tranquil and contemplative atmosphere. Originally, the church could accommodate 500 people with fixed seating in the nave and gallery. However, a renovation in the early 1980s saw the replacement of the pews with chairs, reducing the total seating capacity to 340, including 120 in the gallery.

The Bells

The church’s bell tower houses a set of five bells, cast by the renowned Rüetschi bell foundry in Aarau. These bells were initially exhibited at the 1939 Swiss National Exhibition but were specifically made for the church. The bells, which were installed on November 11, 1939, are tuned to the notes h°, d’, e’, fis’, and a’, and they add a melodious charm to the church’s ambiance.

The Organ

The church’s first organ, built by the Metzler organ builders from Dietikon, was placed in the chancel and featured 21 registers. In 1983, it was replaced by a new instrument from the Goll organ builders in Lucerne. This new organ boasts a rich and varied disposition, enhancing the musical experience of the church’s services and events.

Art and Decoration

Art plays a significant role in the aesthetic and spiritual appeal of the Reformierte Kirche Wettingen. Since the turn of the year 1940/1941, a stained glass window depicting the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, created by the Swiss artist Marcel Poncet, has adorned the chancel. During the 1982 renovation, the original pulpit inscription was painted over, and the church decided to embellish the wall with a relief titled “Daniel in the Lion’s Den” by artist Heinz Eith. This artwork, featuring Daniel surrounded by three lions and accented by four triangular rays, adds a profound narrative and visual depth to the church’s interior.

A Place of Community and Reflection

Today, the Reformierte Kirche Wettingen stands not only as a place of worship but also as a community hub where various events and gatherings take place. Its serene environment and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect place for reflection, prayer, and community bonding. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or someone seeking spiritual solace, a visit to the Reformierte Kirche Wettingen offers a unique and enriching experience.

In conclusion, the Reformierte Kirche Wettingen is more than just a church; it is a symbol of resilience, faith, and community spirit. Its historical significance, coupled with its architectural beauty and artistic treasures, make it a must-visit landmark in Wettingen. So, whether you are exploring the town or specifically visiting the church, you are sure to leave with a sense of peace and inspiration.