St. Jakobi, Coesfeld

St. Jakobi Church in Coesfeld, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany, stands as a testament to the town's rich historical and architectural heritage. This Roman Catholic former parish church, located at Letter Straße in the southern part of Coesfeld's old town, has a storied past that intertwines with the spiritual and cultural fabric of the region.

The Historic Roots of St. Jakobi

St. Jakobi's origins date back to the late 12th century, when it was separated from the older Lambertikirche. The original church was a single-aisle stepped hall of bound order with a three-aisle transept and a single-aisle rectangular closed choir. It was strategically situated along a historic pilgrimage route leading to Santiago de Compostela, making it a significant gathering point for medieval pilgrims. The church's tower, with its four stories, featured an open hall on the ground floor, and over time, the side aisles and choir were renewed in the Gothic style. By 1923, the church underwent further expansive renovations.

However, the old St. Jakobi Church met a tragic fate during World War II. On March 21, 1945, the church was completely destroyed in a bombing raid, leaving behind only fragments of its once majestic structure.

The Rebirth of St. Jakobi

In the aftermath of the war, the community of Coesfeld embarked on a mission to rebuild St. Jakobi. The reconstruction efforts focused on preserving the spirit of the original church while incorporating modern architectural elements. The Romanesque lower section of the tower and the magnificent portal were meticulously reconstructed from the salvaged fragments. The new church was built on a different site, with the tower now standing apart from the main building, reminiscent of a campanile. The connecting corridor between the tower and the church, known as the Paradies, serves as a lapidarium, housing sculptures and Romanesque capitals from the destroyed structure.

The new St. Jakobi Church is characterized by its broad, flat-roofed nave, narrow side aisles, and two transepts. The choir area is designed in the style of a round apse. While the church's architecture is modern, it pays homage to Romanesque forms, creating a harmonious blend of old and new. The interior is supported by round columns topped with massive cube capitals, adding to the church's grandeur.

Artistic Treasures Within

St. Jakobi Church is home to several artistic treasures that were transferred from the old church to the new one. Among these is the Antwerp altarpiece, crafted around 1520, which now graces the choir area. The altarpiece's wings, created by Theodor Stracke in Bocholt in 1892, complement the central piece beautifully.

Another significant artifact is the Romanesque baptismal font, dating back to around 1230. This font holds special historical significance as it was used for the baptism of the Blessed Anna Katharina Emmerick, a revered figure in the region.

The church also houses various sculptures, including one of St. James, the church's patron saint, and a Baroque-style Madonna. These sculptures add to the church's spiritual and artistic ambiance, providing visitors with a glimpse into the rich religious heritage of Coesfeld.

The Organ of St. Jakobi

One of the highlights of St. Jakobi Church is its impressive organ system, installed in 2014 by the Westfälischer Orgelbau S. Sauer (Höxter). This organ, one of the last works of the company before it went bankrupt in 2015, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and musical engineering. The main organ, located on the gallery, features 36 registers on two manual works and a pedal. The second manual work includes three reed stops on an auxiliary chest, extending the tonal range. The organ's pipes are housed in two cases flanking a large rose window, with the console situated below the window.

The choir organ, with 11 registers on a manual work and pedal, has its own two-manual console. The second manual's registers are generated through interchangeable loops. A mobile general console in the choir area allows for the simultaneous playing of both organs. The mechanical action of the main organ and the electrical action of the registers and choir organ ensure precise control and a rich auditory experience. The organ system, with its 46 sounding registers, was inaugurated on November 22, 2014, and continues to enchant visitors with its melodious tones.

The Bells of St. Jakobi

St. Jakobi Church also boasts an impressive set of bells that add to the church's auditory charm. These bells, each with its unique tone and history, create a harmonious symphony that resonates through the town, marking significant moments and calling the faithful to prayer.

Conclusion

St. Jakobi Church in Coesfeld is not just a place of worship; it is a symbol of resilience, history, and artistic excellence. Its journey from a medieval pilgrimage site to a modern architectural marvel reflects the enduring spirit of the community. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to St. Jakobi Church offers a profound and enriching experience. As you walk through its halls, admire its artistic treasures, and listen to the resonant tones of its organ and bells, you will find yourself transported through time, immersed in the rich tapestry of Coesfeld's heritage.