St. Maria Himmelfahrt, Herzogenrath

St. Maria Himmelfahrt, or Mariä Himmelfahrt in the local tongue, stands as a beacon of spiritual and architectural splendor in the charming town of Herzogenrath, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. This neobaroque basilica, constructed between 1913 and 1915, is not just a place of worship but a historical landmark that tells the story of the town and its people.

The Historical Roots of St. Maria Himmelfahrt

The history of St. Maria Himmelfahrt is as rich and intricate as the architectural details that adorn its façade. Herzogenrath, a town that received its city rights around 1260 from the last Duke of Limburg, Walram IV, did not have its own parish church throughout the Middle Ages. The area now known as Herzogenrath was primarily under the jurisdiction of the parish of St. Lambert in Kerkrade and the Diocese of Liège.

It was not until the geopolitical shifts following the Battle of Worringen in 1288 that Herzogenrath came under the control of Brabant, yet still, there was no change in its ecclesiastical status. The significant turning point came during the Third War of the Guelders Succession, when Herzogenrath became a focal point due to its strategic location. After prolonged negotiations, a parish was finally established in 1564, separating from St. Lambert and joining the Deanery of Maastricht in the Diocese of Liège.

The Evolution of the Church

Initially, the faithful gathered in a small chapel that served as their parish church. By 1780, the Diocese approved the demolition of this modest structure to make way for a new church, which was consecrated on Christmas 1781. The parish of St. Maria Himmelfahrt underwent several administrative changes, especially during the French occupation and the subsequent incorporation into the newly founded Diocese of Aachen in 1801.

With the Treaty of Aachen in 1816, Herzogenrath became part of the Kingdom of Prussia. However, it wasn't until 1821, with the Papal Bull De salute animarum, that the Diocese of Aachen was dissolved, and the parish was expanded to include areas west of the Wurm. This expansion marked its integration into the re-established Archdiocese of Cologne.

The Neobaroque Marvel

The rapid population growth due to mining and industrialization in the 19th century necessitated the expansion or reconstruction of the church. After years of planning and various architectural proposals, the neobaroque design by district master builder Heinrich van Kann was selected. The existing church was demolished in 1913, and the new basilica was completed and consecrated in October 1915.

The basilica's architecture is a testament to neobaroque splendor. The main nave, built in a north-south orientation, is slightly extended between the two approximately 40-meter-high towers. Both the side aisles and the choir have rectangular terminations. Four square dome vaults rise above the main nave and the choir, with the side aisles and subsidiary choirs also featuring square dome vaults. The extensions of the side aisles towards the towers are topped with barrel vaults.

Art and Adornments

The interior of St. Maria Himmelfahrt is as captivating as its exterior. The neobaroque high altar, designed by Johann Curtius from Aachen, was crafted by Johann and Alfons Dörr in Saulgau, who also created the two side altars dedicated to St. Joseph and the Holy Cross. Originally, the church was adorned with figurative Marian-themed paintings by Hans Schaffrath. Although these paintings could not be preserved or restored, Günther Reul gave the church a new color scheme in 1953.

The Majestic Organ

The church's organ has its own fascinating history. During the secularization period, many organs were sold, making it possible for Herzogenrath to acquire an organ from St. Catherine's Church in Maastricht. This instrument, built by organ builder Joseph Binvignat, was transferred and installed in St. Maria Himmelfahrt. In the new church, an interim organ by the Stahlhuth company from Aachen was installed in October 1915. This was later sold in 1950 when a new organ began to be built by the Karl Bach organ building institute, with extensive restorations carried out by organ builder Werner Gibisch in 2013.

The Parish Community

Today, the parish of St. Maria Himmelfahrt is part of the Deanery Herzogenrath/Merkstein in the Diocese of Aachen. Since 2002, it has formed a parish association with St. Gertrud and St. Antonius, known as the Parish Association Herzogenrath-Mitte.

St. Maria Himmelfahrt is not just an architectural gem but a living testament to the faith and resilience of the Herzogenrath community. Its walls echo the prayers and hopes of generations, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or spirituality. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to St. Maria Himmelfahrt promises a journey through time and an experience of serene beauty.