Mariae Himmelskron

Mariae Himmelskron, an architectural gem nestled in the charming town of Heusenstamm in Hesse, Germany, is a modernist masterpiece that stands as a testament to both historical resilience and contemporary design. The Roman Catholic parish church, dedicated to Mary as the Queen of Heaven, is not only a place of worship but also a protected monument that draws visitors with its unique aesthetic and rich history.

A Historical Overview

The origins of Mariae Himmelskron are deeply intertwined with the socio-political upheavals of the 20th century. After the First World War, the need for a second Catholic church in Heusenstamm was recognized, but it wasn't until the aftermath of the Second World War that this vision began to take shape. The influx of Catholic refugees made the existing St. Cäcilia church insufficient to accommodate the growing congregation, prompting the construction of a new parish church.

Designed by Offenbach architect Carl Müller, the plans for Mariae Himmelskron were drawn up in 1954 and 1955. The construction was officially approved in February 1955, and by August of the same year, the cornerstone was laid. Utilizing trachyte rubble stones from the former Schönborn family quarry on Hohen Berg, the church's monumental front facade was built. Interestingly, due to budget constraints, the originally planned campanile was omitted, and a crypt was incorporated into the design following foundational errors.

The church's shell was completed by November 1955, and it was consecrated by Bishop Albert Stohr of Mainz on August 4 and 5, 1956. Initially isolated in the fields without a proper road connection to Heusenstamm, the church earned the affectionate nickname Maria im Felde or Mary in the Fields among locals.

Architectural Marvel

Mariae Himmelskron is located to the southwest of Heusenstamm's old town and west of the railway line to Dietzenbach and Offenbach. The expansive church forecourt is framed by a low wall, which, like the church itself, is a protected monument.

The church's facade is a striking example of modernist design, featuring a natural stone-clad gable with a large, arched window. This imposing front leads into the main nave, which is covered with a saddle roof and concludes in a semi-circular chancel topped with a tambour-like light dome. The main entrance, set within the arched facade, opens into a foyer that leads to the central nave. A broad central aisle divides the nave into two blocks of pews, guiding the eye towards the chancel. The semi-circular steps of the chancel culminate in the high altar, with the tabernacle positioned at its peak. An adjoining side aisle extends from the main nave to the northeast.

Artistic and Spiritual Treasures

Inside Mariae Himmelskron, visitors can admire a baroque crucifixion group crafted from sandstone in 1709 by an unknown artist. Originally located in the cemetery surrounding the St. Cäcilia church, this group was donated to Mariae Himmelskron and now graces the chancel above the high altar. The high altar also houses relics of the Catacomb Saints Auctus and Felicissimus.

The church's modern altar, created from sandstone by sculptor Klaus Rolke between 1991 and 1992, contains a relic of the beatified Adolf Kolping. In 2005, a significant renovation was undertaken, during which the chancel's altar wall was artistically transformed by Mainz artist Eberhard Münch. This renovation aimed to highlight the crucifixion group, with a vertical red band connecting the floor, tabernacle, cross, and ceiling, symbolizing the link between heaven and earth through Jesus Christ. The red hue represents both God's warmth and love for humanity and the passion of Christ's crucifixion. The circles in yellow tones beginning at the height of the tabernacle symbolize the hope of resurrection.

Visiting Mariae Himmelskron

Exploring Mariae Himmelskron offers a unique blend of historical insight and spiritual reflection. The church's modernist architecture, combined with its rich historical context and artistic elements, makes it a fascinating destination for both casual visitors and those with a deeper interest in ecclesiastical history and art.

Whether you are drawn by the architectural beauty, the historical significance, or the spiritual ambiance, Mariae Himmelskron stands as a beacon of faith and resilience. Its walls echo the stories of a community that has weathered the storms of history, making it a must-visit landmark in Heusenstamm.