Neustädter Marienkirche

Neustädter Marienkirche, the largest church in Bielefeld, stands as a testament to the city's rich historical and architectural heritage. Situated in the Mitte district, this Gothic-style church has been a defining element of Bielefeld's skyline since its construction began in 1293. As you approach the church, the twin spires, each soaring to 78 meters, immediately capture your attention, inviting you to delve deeper into its storied past and exquisite architecture.

The History of Neustädter Marienkirche

The origins of Neustädter Marienkirche date back to 1292, when Count Otto III of Ravensberg presented his plan to establish a collegiate foundation for canons to the Bishop of Paderborn. The church's foundation day was celebrated on July 14, 1293, marking the transformation of the existing parish church of the Neustadt into a collegiate church. Over multiple construction phases, the church evolved into its current form by around 1512, with the west section, including the twin towers, completed in 1494. Due to its foundation by the count, the church is occasionally referred to as the Ravensberger Dom.

The Reformation, which reached Bielefeld around 1542, brought significant changes to the church. It became a shared space for both Catholic and Lutheran worshippers. The canons remained Catholic, while the parish congregation adopted Lutheranism, with Hermann Hamelmann, the then pastor of Neustädter Marienkirche, recognized as the Reformer of Bielefeld. For a period, the church's choir hosted Catholic masses and the Roman Rite's canonical hours, while the nave, separated by a rood screen, held Lutheran services with preaching in German and evangelical hymns.

The church's tower helmets were replaced with Baroque-style domes following storm damage in 1703. In 1810, the collegiate foundation was dissolved, and the church has since served as the parish church for the Lutheran Mariengemeinde, which had owned the church since 1672. From 1875 until World War II, the church also hosted services for the Old Catholic community of Bielefeld, which later merged with the Münster community after the war. A significant bombing raid on Bielefeld on September 30, 1944, destroyed the church's roof and tower spires, though the vaults remained intact. The nave's new roof was completed around 1947, and the tower spires were reconstructed in 1966.

Architectural Marvels and Treasures

The 52-meter-long hall church is characterized by its three-bay, elongated choir, a hallmark of its collegiate church origins. The Gothic details, particularly the window tracery, date back to the 14th century, as does the transept. The west section of the three-aisled nave and the towers were likely completed after 1450. The west portal, featuring Flamboyant-style tracery, was probably finished in 1512. Until around 1840, a rood screen typical of collegiate churches separated the choir from the nave. After the secularization and dissolution of the collegiate foundation, the screen was removed, and the church was fully converted into a parish church.

The twin tower roofs, each 78 meters high, were rebuilt in 1966, inspired by Gothic architecture. Although their current form differs from the original helmets, which were slightly lower, the general appearance has been preserved. The church's most valuable treasure is the Marienaltar, a painted triptych featuring 30 small scenes surrounding a large central image. Completed around 1400 by an unknown master, possibly trained in French art of the 1380s, the altar's creator is known as the Master of the Berswordt Retable. Two of the altar paintings, The Scourging and The Crucifixion, are housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

The church also houses Gothic tomb monuments of the Counts of Ravensberg and Berg, along with a Renaissance-style epitaph. The Baroque pulpit, crafted by Bielefeld master Bernd Christoph Hattenkerl between 1681 and 1683, adds to the church's rich interior.

The Magnificent Organ

Neustädter Marienkirche has a long history of housing impressive organs. Until 1964, it featured Bielefeld's largest organ, built by Emil Hammer Orgelbau in 1937, with 74 registers on four manuals and a pedal. In 1970, organ builder Detlef Kleuker constructed a large organ with 47 registers on three manuals and a pedal. This instrument was dismantled and sold in September 2016. The current organ, built by Eule Orgelbau from Bautzen, was consecrated on July 9, 2017. It boasts 46 registers, including two pre-draws and six extended registers in the pedal. The organ's mechanical and electrical register actions, along with a 10,000-setting combination system, make it a remarkable instrument for both performers and listeners.

The Bells of Neustädter Marienkirche

The church's bell ensemble consists of four bronze bells cast in 1993 by the Eifeler Glockengießerei Mark in Brockscheid. For a time, the six bronze bells from the decommissioned Paul-Gerhardt-Kirche, cast in 1962 by Petit & Gebr. Edelbrock in Gescher and inscribed with verses from Paul Gerhardt's hymns, were stored on the church's north side. Since 2017, these bells have been safely stored in Bielefeld to protect them from damage.

A visit to Neustädter Marienkirche offers a journey through centuries of history, art, and architecture. From its Gothic origins and Reformation-era transformations to its post-war restorations and modern-day treasures, the church stands as a beacon of Bielefeld's cultural and spiritual heritage. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a moment of reflection, Neustädter Marienkirche promises an enriching and inspiring experience.