Borby Church

Perched majestically on the Petersberg hill in the charming district of Borby in Eckernförde, Schleswig-Holstein, Borby Church (Borbyer Kirche) stands as a testament to centuries of history and architectural evolution. This remarkable fieldstone church, with its striking spire and serene surroundings, invites visitors to step back in time and explore its fascinating past.

The Historical Roots of Borby Church

The origins of Borby Church date back to the mid-12th century, with construction likely commencing between 1150 and 1180. The church is built on the grounds of a former refuge castle, traces of which can still be seen in the form of ring walls and an enclosed cemetery. The abundant fieldstones in the area were utilized in the construction, adhering to the Jutlandic-Scandinavian building style, characterized by its robust walls, which are between 1.10 and 1.30 meters thick.

The early structure featured two portals: the now-sealed women's portal on the north side and the men's door on the south side. The latter is a round-arched portal supported by two reddish granite columns, with a tympanum depicting a bearded bishop holding a book and a bishop's staff, alongside a lamb symbolizing Christ. This bishop might have been the church's patron saint, although this remains unconfirmed.

Architectural Evolution and Enhancements

By the late 13th century, a settlement wave necessitated the church's expansion westward by two bays, a change still evident today. The walls were constructed with squared fieldstones over a foundation, featuring early Gothic pointed arch windows. The wooden beam ceiling was replaced with a vault, and the round arch separating the nave and choir was widened. Over the centuries, various renovations and enhancements have been made, including the removal of the small rectangular priest's door in the 19th century and the enlargement of windows in 1866.

Inside the church, one can still find the initials of carpenters and the date 1680 on one of the middle beams, a relic from post-Thirty Years' War renovations. The wooden galleries on the north side, added in the post-Reformation period, were removed in 1966. Extensive renovations in recent decades have aimed to restore the church to its original state, revealing the old wooden ceiling once again. The old tower room, renovated from 1988 to 1989, now houses memorial plaques for those who fell during World War II.

The Tower's Tumultuous History

The church's west tower has a storied past, with its construction in the 15th century involving the erection of thick brick walls to support a new tower. However, a lightning strike in 1595 destroyed the tower, and it wasn't fully restored until 1643. In 1718, an orkan (hurricane) toppled the tower's spire, which was replaced with a gabled roof in 1724. Due to ongoing repairs, the tower was dismantled to the height of the nave in 1807 and integrated with the building's roof. A new tower was constructed between 1893 and 1894, with subsequent renovations in 1953, 1971, 1978, and 2007. Despite these efforts, further restoration is needed due to issues with the mortar joints.

Noteworthy Interior Features

The interior of Borby Church is graced with a flat wooden beam ceiling and ochre-colored tiled flooring. The simple wooden pews, painted gray, leave a central aisle free. One of the church's most significant features is the Romanesque baptismal font from around 1200, made from Gotland limestone and depicting scenes from Jesus' birth. The font's interior is lined with copper, and a brass bowl donated by Margaretha von Leuenburg in 1720 is still used for baptisms today.

The high altar, donated in 1686 by H. Henning Reventlow and his wife Margaretha, is a baroque masterpiece likely crafted by a master from the Eckernförde woodcarving school, possibly Hans Gudewerdt III. The altarpiece, rising through four tiers, depicts scenes from Jesus' life, framed by columns and flanked by statues of the Evangelists Luke and Mark. The altar's central focus is a carved representation of Christ's suffering, symbolized by an angel with a hammer and the instruments of the Passion.

The wooden, polygonal pulpit from around 1690 is simpler than the altar but harmonizes in style and finish. It features depictions of Christ and the four Evangelists in gilded arches between twisted columns, with winged angel heads above the figures. The pulpit rests on an octagonal base, although its canopy is no longer extant.

A late Gothic triumphal cross, originally located in the chancel arch, now hangs on the north wall. During a 1990 renovation, it was discovered that the rosettes are ornamentally decorated rather than depicting the Evangelists. A painting of the Last Judgment, showing Christ before a rainbow and dressed in a red cloak, also adorns the northern wall. The painter, Magnus Paulsen, who took the citizen's oath in Eckernförde in 1726, left his dedication in the painting's lower left corner.

The Churchyard and Its Legacy

The churchyard surrounding Borby Church has been in use since the church's construction and continues to serve as a burial ground. The oldest surviving gravestone, dating back to 1692, stands on the south side of the chancel. Nearby are graves from 1796 and several late-classical style tombstones. The old mortuary is now used as a lapidarium, housing sarcophagi from the former crypt beneath the sacristy, including the sarcophagus of Colonel Christian von Leuenburg, who died in 1722.

Conclusion

With its rich history, architectural beauty, and serene setting, Borby Church offers a captivating glimpse into the past. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, a visit to Borby Church in Eckernförde is a journey through time that you won't soon forget.