In the heart of Bitterfeld-Wolfen, a town in the district of Anhalt-Bitterfeld in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, stands the majestic Pfarrkirche Herz Jesu, also known locally as Herz-Jesu-Kirche. This Roman Catholic church, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is a beacon of faith and an architectural gem that captures the essence of neo-Gothic design. Its towering presence and rich history make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.
The story of Pfarrkirche Herz Jesu is deeply woven into the fabric of Bitterfeld's history. The first Catholic service in Bitterfeld since the Reformation was held on September 4, 1859, in a rented room on Bürgerstraße. This marked the beginning of a new era for the Catholic community in the area. By 1879, a plot of land on Röhrenstraße was purchased, and by 1880/81, a mission house was built, which included a chapel and a Catholic school that opened in 1882.
As the Catholic population in Bitterfeld grew, the need for a larger place of worship became evident. In 1894, the construction of the three-nave basilica began. The church, built in the neo-Gothic style using brick, saw its foundation stone laid on September 8, 1894. Less than a year later, on June 4, 1895, the church was consecrated by Dean Johannes Schulte from Weißenfels. The episcopal consecration followed on June 15, 1899, by Hubert Theophil Simar, the bishop of the Diocese of Paderborn, to which Bitterfeld belonged at the time.
The Pfarrkirche Herz Jesu is a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture. The church's design is attributed to Arnold Güldenpfennig, the cathedral and diocesan master builder from Paderborn, who is credited with numerous Catholic churches in Saxony-Anhalt. The design of Pfarrkirche Herz Jesu bears a striking resemblance to the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary in Hettstedt, which is confirmed to be Güldenpfennig’s work.
The church features a choir with a five-sided closure on the east side, spanned by a cross-ribbed vault. The lancet-shaped windows, flanked by buttresses, add to the church's gothic charm. Initially, the church did not have a bell tower, but in 1928, a 58-meter-high bell tower was constructed southwest of the nave based on designs by Johannes Reuter Sr. This tower was rebuilt in 1991 using clinker steel concrete due to structural issues.
Step inside Pfarrkirche Herz Jesu, and you are greeted by an organ gallery in the neo-Gothic style. The interior, while predominantly simple, boasts stained glass windows designed by Christof Grüger in 1971, featuring industrial motifs and crafted in the Böhme glass workshop in Magdeburg. Following the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the altar area was redesigned by Friedrich Schötschel, with Bishop Johannes Braun consecrating the new altar on April 14, 1974.
The Pfarrkirche Herz Jesu is not just a historical monument; it is a living testament to the resilience and faith of the Catholic community in Bitterfeld. The parish of Bitterfeld was officially established on January 1, 1908, with Ferdinand Gerwinn serving as its first pastor. The church has witnessed significant historical events, including the closure of the Catholic school by the Nazi regime in 1940.
In recent years, the church has been part of the parish union of Bitterfeld – Gräfenhainichen – Holzweißig – Sandersdorf, established on March 1, 2006. This union includes several other churches, forming the parish of the Holy Family on May 2, 2010. Despite the closure of some churches within the union, Pfarrkirche Herz Jesu remains a central place of worship and community gathering.
Located at Röhrenstraße 2, in the city center of Bitterfeld, Pfarrkirche Herz Jesu is easily accessible and a highlight for visitors to the area. The church's striking red brick façade, towering spire, and serene interior offer a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the region's rich religious and architectural heritage.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to Pfarrkirche Herz Jesu is a journey through time and faith. The church stands as a symbol of the enduring spirit of the Catholic community in Bitterfeld, inviting all who enter to experience its beauty and tranquility.
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