St. Katharina, Alt-Hürth

In the charming town of Hürth, nestled in the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, stands the majestic St. Katharina Church, a beacon of history, faith, and architectural splendor. This Catholic parish church, located in Alt-Hürth, is not only a place of worship but also a significant historical monument, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

The History of St. Katharina

The origins of St. Katharina Church can be traced back to the 13th century, when the first mention of a church in Hürth appeared. However, by the late 19th century, the existing church, which had been expanded in the 1780s, had become too small for the growing parish community, which included the villages of Knapsack and Alstädten. The church, covering only 119 square meters, was also in dire need of renovation.

In 1887, a building association was formed to collect funds for the renovation and possible expansion of the church. Through various fundraising efforts, including the placement of church models as donation boxes in local taverns, the association managed to raise an impressive 6,500 marks in three years. Inspired by the construction of new churches in neighboring villages, the association decided in 1890 to build a new church on a plot of land acquired from the local school garden.

The renowned Cologne architect Theodor Roß, who was also building a church in Berrenrath at the time, was commissioned for the project. The construction costs were estimated at 67,000 marks, which eventually exceeded by 10,000 marks. To finance the project, a diocesan collection and a public fundraising campaign in the Cologne, Aachen, and Düsseldorf districts were organized, raising substantial amounts. The remaining funds were covered by a loan from the Kreissparkasse Köln, repaid through monthly special collections.

Construction commenced on April 9, 1894, with the foundation stone laid on June 20 by Dean Titz from Lindenthal. Despite harsh winter conditions, the church was completed within a year, and on August 25, 1895, it was consecrated by Auxiliary Bishop Hermann Joseph Schmitz. Remarkably, the church sustained only minor damage during World War II and underwent its most recent renovation in 2012.

Architectural Marvel

St. Katharina Church is a stunning example of neo-Romanesque architecture, characterized by its three-aisled basilica design with a transept and a prominent west tower. The church's exterior is constructed from brick, giving it a robust and timeless appearance. The west tower, adorned with a rosette, is crowned with a hexagonal spire, complete with a tower ball, cross, and weather vane. Each of the four gables features a clock face, adding to the tower's grandeur.

The interior of the church is equally impressive, with the side aisles separated from the main nave by alternating stucco marble columns and pillars. The connecting arches are pointed, reflecting the eclectic style of the period. The church also boasts a west-facing organ loft, a staircase tower on the southwest side of the main tower, and a two-story sacristy at the northwest corner of the choir.

Rich in Art and History

The interior of St. Katharina is home to a wealth of artistic and historical treasures. Many of the furnishings were transferred from the old church, including a baroque crucifixion group and statues of Saint Michael, Saint Katharina, and Saint Matthias, the latter being the second patron saint of the church. Additional statues, such as those of the Man of Sorrows and Saint Joseph with the Child, were acquired from the art trade.

The transept windows, crafted by the Linnicher Kunstanstalt Oidtmann in 1895, remain original, while the choir windows were created by Cologne artist Remmel. The baptismal font's round column, dating from the 19th century, is made from sinter limestone from the Eifel aqueduct. The church clock was donated in 1916 by the Knapsack nitrogen works, thanks to the efforts of Pastor Conzen and Director Constantin Krauß.

The Bells and Organ

The bell tower of St. Katharina houses a four-part chime of steel bells, cast in 1918 by the Bochum Association. These bells replaced two bronze bells from the old church, which were requisitioned during World War I. The new bells, named Matthias, Katharina, Joseph, and Maria, were funded in part by a 5,000-mark bequest from churchwarden Adam Becker and were consecrated on October 20, 1918.

The church's organ, built in 1903 by the Ernst Seifert company in Cologne, cost 7,743 marks. It was expanded in 1926 by the Söhl organ building company and underwent renovations in 1989/90 and 2010/11 by organ builder Weimbs. The organ features manual coupling, a pedal for Manual II, and a tremolo for Manual II.

St. Katharina Church is not just a place of worship but a testament to the enduring faith and community spirit of the people of Hürth. Its historical significance, architectural beauty, and rich artistic heritage make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the region.