Große Kirche

The Große Kirche, or Great Church, stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural prowess of Leer, a charming town in the region of Ostfriesland, Niedersachsen, Germany. This evangelical-reformed church, with its impressive baroque design, has been a central figure in the town's religious and cultural life since its completion in the late 18th century.

The History of the Große Kirche

The roots of the Große Kirche extend back to the early 13th century when the original St. Liudgeri Church was constructed near the Plytenberg. Named in honor of the Frisian missionary Liudger, this stone church was under the jurisdiction of the Bishopric of Münster during the medieval period. However, the Reformation brought significant changes to the congregation, leading them to adopt the reformed confession in 1525 under the guidance of theologian Lübbert Cantz.

By the mid-17th century, the St. Liudgeri Church had begun to deteriorate, necessitating frequent repairs. Furthermore, the town of Leer had shifted towards the harbor and the river Leda, rendering the church increasingly peripheral. The situation reached a critical point in 1777 when a violent storm forced the pastor and worshippers to flee the church, fearing its imminent collapse. Although services continued, attendance dwindled as parishioners sought safer alternatives.

In 1783, after much debate and fundraising efforts among the reformed communities of East Frisia and Groningen, a decision was made to construct a new church at a more central location. The site, purchased from a leather manufacturer for 450 gold pistols, was chosen against the initial advice of the presbytery. Finally, on June 1, 1785, the church council approved the construction, and master carpenter Isaak Wortmann from Leer was commissioned to lead the project. The foundation stone was laid on September 16, 1785, and after 22 months of meticulous work, the new church was completed and inaugurated on July 15, 1787, by Pastor Johann Eilshemius.

The old St. Liudgeri Church was subsequently auctioned off in 24 lots, with its furnishings preserved and transferred to the new building. The crypt of the old church, containing the oldest vault in East Frisia, was sealed and remains intact to this day. In 1805, the Große Kirche was further enhanced with the addition of a magnificent 57-meter-high tower, which remains the tallest structure in Leer.

Architectural Marvel

Designed by Isaak Wortmann, the Große Kirche is a splendid example of baroque architecture with a unique octagonal layout in the form of a Greek double cross. This design reflects the reformed theology that places the proclamation of God's word at the heart of the church. The structure is supported by four freestanding columns, and the spaces between the cross arms are filled with annexes, creating a continuous gallery around the interior.

The church is illuminated by large arched windows in the annexes and double arched windows in the cross arms, each topped with an oculus. Originally, the church had four entrance doors, but the southwestern and southeastern entrances were later sealed. The tower, with its square base and two tapering octagonal sections, culminates in an open lantern and is crowned with a weather vane in the shape of a three-masted ship, symbolizing the Ship of Christ and the reformed church.

Interior and Furnishings

The interior of the Große Kirche is a harmonious blend of simplicity and elegance, adhering to the reformed tradition that eschews elaborate altars and crucifixes. The oldest piece of furniture is a Romanesque baptismal font from around 1200, likely originating from the predecessor church. The wooden Renaissance pulpit, crafted by Andreas Kistemaker in 1609, features intricate carvings and fluted columns, and was later augmented with a staircase and a substantial sounding board during the church's construction period.

The communion table, adorned with Rococo ornaments, and the four chandeliers date back to 1787. The continuous galleries encircle the entire space, offering ample seating for the congregation. Beneath the organ, the princely pew is decorated with coats of arms and monograms, adding a touch of regality to the setting.

The Grandeur of the Organ

The organ of the Große Kirche is a marvel in its own right, boasting 48 registers on three manuals and a pedal, making it the largest organ in East Frisia. Its origins trace back to the 16th century, with significant contributions from various builders over the centuries. In 1609, Count Enno III donated an organ from the Thedinga Monastery, which was installed by Marten de Mare in the Renaissance style. Subsequent modifications and expansions were carried out by Albertus Antonius Hinsz (1763-1766), Wilhelm Caspar Joseph Höffgen (1845-1850), and Paul Ott (1953-1955), with Ott also designing the exterior with two Rückpositivs.

A comprehensive restoration plan, developed by an international team of experts in 2012, led to a meticulous restoration and expansion of the organ to its current state between 2014 and 2018.

The Bells of the Große Kirche

The church tower houses a set of four bells, with three larger cast steel bells from the Bochum Association and a smaller iron-hard cast bell in the tower lantern. The main bells ring for services and other church events, while the smaller bell chimes for the Lord's Prayer and daily prayers. The previous set of bells, cast by the Apolda bell foundry, saw two of its three bronze bells melted down for armament purposes in 1942. The remaining bronze bell was traded in 1956 to achieve a harmonious chime.

The Große Kirche is not just a place of worship; it is a beacon of history, art, and culture, standing proudly in the heart of Leer. Its storied past, architectural brilliance, and serene ambiance make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this picturesque town in Niedersachsen.