St. Dionysius (Krefeld)

St. Dionysius, the Catholic Old Town Church of Krefeld, stands as a beacon of historical and architectural significance in the heart of this charming North Rhine-Westphalian city. With its towering 78-meter spire, this church has been a defining element of Krefeld's skyline since its completion in various phases between 1752 and 1910.

The Historical Roots of St. Dionysius

The origins of St. Dionysius are deeply intertwined with the history of Krefeld itself. The first mention of a chapel dedicated to St. Dionysius dates back to 1166. Named after Dionysius of Paris, a bishop and martyr, the church's patronage is reflected in the city's coat of arms to this day. By the 15th century, the original chapel had evolved into a three-aisled hall church in the late Gothic style.

The Reformation brought significant changes to Krefeld. Initially, the Counts of Moers, who ruled the area, adopted Lutheranism in 1564 and installed a Lutheran pastor in the old Dionysius Church. By 1581, Calvinism became the dominant confession. The church, now known as the Old Church, was firmly established as an Evangelical Reformed place of worship by 1607. Despite these shifts, Krefeld remained a place of religious tolerance under the rule of Prince Maurice of Orange, who allowed Catholics, Lutherans, and even Mennonites to practice their faiths.

The Construction of the New Church

The Catholic community in Krefeld, which likely constituted more than half of the population even in the 17th century, longed for their own place of worship. It wasn't until 1743, under Prussian rule, that King Frederick the Great's decree allowed for the construction of a new Catholic church. The building of the new St. Dionysius Church commenced in 1752, with C. Wallenfels believed to be the architect. The nave was completed by 1754, and the tower followed in 1768.

The church underwent a major transformation between 1840 and 1844 under the direction of Ernst Friedrich Zwirner, the Cologne Cathedral master builder. Zwirner expanded the church with a three-aisled transept, adding twenty Ionic columns of yellowish marble that impart a luminous, classical temple-like character to the interior. The exterior facades of the new transept arms were designed to be visually impressive, facing the adjacent squares.

As Krefeld experienced rapid industrial growth and population increase in the 19th century, the need for a more prominent central church became evident. By 1890, the city's population had soared to 104,000, with over 80,000 Catholics. This led to the construction of a new, nearly 80-meter-high tower between 1893 and 1894, designed by Wilhelm Blanke, the diocesan building councilor of Cologne. The tower, with its neo-Gothic portal facade, octagonal upper section, and copper Renaissance dome, became a defining landmark of the city.

Further modifications occurred between 1908 and 1910, including the addition of sacristies and several chapels. Although St. Dionysius was heavily damaged during World War II, the tower remained intact, symbolizing hope for the people of Krefeld. The church was fully restored by 1954, and in 2011, the tower's spire, damaged in a storm in 2004, was successfully reinstalled.

The Splendid Interior

Inside St. Dionysius, visitors are greeted by a harmonious blend of architectural styles and artistic treasures. The altar island in the crossing features a neo-Romanesque altar from the 19th century. Behind it, a golden neo-Romanesque ciborium houses the baptismal font and the Paschal candle. The Marian altar is also designed in the same style. The colorful apostle figures adorning the walls exhibit baroque forms, while the dark polished wood carvings from the early 20th century depict statues of St. Dionysius and St. Norbert of Xanten.

One of the most remarkable features of the church is the series of modern stained glass windows created by Hubert Spierling between 1981 and 1984. These windows add a contemporary touch to the historic ambiance of the church.

The Musical Heritage

St. Dionysius is not only a place of worship but also a center for sacred music. The church's organ, crafted by the Klais workshop in 2007, boasts 40 registers across three manuals and pedals. The organ's casing was newly painted during the church's renovation in 2022, enhancing its visual appeal. The church also had a vibrant choir, the Dionysius Choir Krefeld, which was established in 1968 and continued until the founder's death in 2018.

The Bells of St. Dionysius

The church's bell ensemble consists of five cast steel bells, created by the Bochum Association in 1946. These bells have been ringing out over Krefeld for decades, marking the passage of time and calling the faithful to prayer.

In conclusion, St. Dionysius is more than just a church; it is a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of the Krefeld community. Its rich history, architectural splendor, and vibrant cultural heritage make it a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring this beautiful city.