St. Michael (Leer)

Nestled in the charming town of Leer in Lower Saxony, Germany, the St. Michael Church stands as a testament to the resilience and faith of its community. This Roman Catholic church, with its striking red brick façade and distinctive tower, has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century and continues to be a focal point of spiritual and cultural life in Leer.

The History of St. Michael Church

The story of St. Michael Church begins in the aftermath of the Reformation when the Catholic community in Leer was left without a place of worship. It wasn't until 1643 that a small mission station was established, initially serving just 15 communicants. Over the years, the Catholic population grew, and by 1658, the mission had expanded to accommodate 120 members. The presence of imperial troops in 1676 brought a field priest to Leer, further supporting the burgeoning Catholic community.

By the early 18th century, the community had outgrown its modest accommodations and sought permission to build a new church. Despite initial resistance from the Protestant majority, the Catholics were eventually granted permission to construct a chapel in 1728. This modest structure served the community until the mid-18th century when the need for a larger church became evident.

In 1775, after much negotiation and persistence, the Catholic community received royal approval to build a new church complete with a bell tower. The construction of St. Michael Church began in June of that year, and by December, the new building was consecrated. This marked a significant milestone for the Catholics in Leer, providing them with a permanent place of worship.

Architectural Highlights

St. Michael Church is a fine example of 18th-century ecclesiastical architecture. The rectangular, hall-style building is constructed from red brick and features a distinctive hipped roof. One of the most striking features of the church is its square tower, which is integrated into the northern side of the building. The slender tower, inspired by the design of the church in Wahn, boasts corner pilasters and rounded arch sound openings in the upper section. It houses two bells, one of which is a historic loan bell from Silesian Ullersdorf, cast in 1796.

The north portal of the church is a notable feature, crafted from light sandstone with projecting, profiled imposts and a decorated keystone. Above the portal, a stone relief depicts the Archangel Michael triumphing over a dragon, symbolizing the church's namesake. The large arched windows on the north and east sides of the church allow natural light to flood the interior, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere.

Exploring the Interior

Inside St. Michael Church, visitors are greeted by a serene and thoughtfully designed space. The interior is capped with a coffered ceiling, and the organ gallery, supported by slender columns, is located at the northern end of the church. The church's furnishings have been updated over the years, with the oldest piece being a statue of the Virgin Mary from the 1720s, which stands near the eastern window below the gallery.

In the central aisle, a stone, goblet-shaped baptismal font, likely crafted for the church's original construction, serves as a reminder of the church's long history. A wooden statue of the Archangel Michael, originally part of the first high altar, depicts the saint with a raised sword, vanquishing a dragon.

The altar area, located in the southern part of the church, is dominated by an anvil-shaped altar made from light Euviller sandstone, designed by sculptor Hubert Janning in 1978. The ambo and tabernacle, also created by Janning, feature bronze reliefs depicting the four evangelist symbols. The simple wooden cross on the south wall, crafted by artist Klaus Simon, represents the Lübeck martyrs, with each arm of the cross measuring the length of a human body.

Memorials and Modern Additions

St. Michael Church is not only a place of worship but also a site of remembrance. The western entrance area includes a memorial for the martyrs, featuring four 1.8-meter-high glass steles with photographs and texts dedicated to the Lübeck martyrs and Heinrich Schniers, a former pastor of St. Michael who was arrested by the Gestapo and died in Dachau concentration camp.

Recent renovations, completed between 2014 and 2015 at a cost of 1.7 million euros, have modernized the church while preserving its historical essence. These renovations included updates to the roof, heating system, and electrical installations, as well as the restoration of the exterior walls and a redesign of the church and the Heinrich-Schnier-Haus, the parish hall. The interior was reconfigured, with the western side aisle transformed into a foyer and a memorial room for the victims of National Socialism. The church pews were replaced with individual chairs, and the interior was given a bright, fresh color scheme.

The Organ

Music plays a vital role in the life of St. Michael Church, and the organ is a key component of this. The current organ, built by Alfred Führer in 1972, features 14 registers with a total of 1,045 pipes, distributed across two manuals and a pedal. The instrument's modern, box-shaped case houses a Rückpositiv in the gallery railing, providing a rich and versatile sound for liturgical and concert performances.

In conclusion, St. Michael Church in Leer is a remarkable example of resilience, faith, and community spirit. Its rich history, architectural beauty, and thoughtful memorials make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the cultural and spiritual heritage of Lower Saxony.