St. Felizitas

St. Felizitas Church, nestled in the heart of Lüdinghausen in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a magnificent testament to centuries of religious devotion and architectural evolution. This Roman Catholic parish church stands as a beacon of history, faith, and community, drawing visitors with its stunning Gothic architecture and rich historical tapestry.

The Early History of St. Felizitas

The origins of St. Felizitas Church date back to the year 800 when Saint Liudger, the first bishop of Münster, was gifted a large tract of land in what is now the center of Lüdinghausen. On this land, Liudger constructed the first church for the community. Though little is known about the size and appearance of this original church, it is believed to have been a modest wooden structure. This initial church and the adjoining parish house were personal properties of Liudger, who later bequeathed them to the Werden Abbey, which he had also founded.

As Lüdinghausen developed, so did the need for a more substantial place of worship. In 1037, Bishop Hermann I of Münster consecrated a new stone church built on the site, replacing the earlier wooden structure. This Romanesque church was dedicated to Saint Stephen and Saint Felicitas and her seven sons. This stone church served the community for nearly 500 years until the construction of the current St. Felizitas Church began.

The Construction of the Present Church

The current St. Felizitas Church is the third church to stand on this historic site. The cornerstone for the choir was laid on February 28, 1507, marking the beginning of an extensive construction project. The church is oriented eastward, with the choir facing east and the main entrance, including the tower, facing west. The construction of the tower began on June 8, 1515, and continued for 43 years, a period marked by interruptions due to the Münster Rebellion and other local disturbances. The church was finally completed in 1558.

Over the centuries, the church has undergone several modifications. In the late 19th century, the church's roof was redesigned by master builder Hilger Hertel the Elder, replacing the original large, single-span roof with the current multi-part structure. The tower's spire was also modified during this period, and a clock was installed. Additionally, the sacristy on the north side was expanded, giving the impression of a transept from certain angles.

Further enhancements were made between 1908 and 1910 when the chapel in the southwest corner and the entrance hall in the northwest corner were added, significantly broadening the west facade. Despite these changes, the church has maintained its Gothic charm and continues to be a central feature of Lüdinghausen's skyline.

The Exterior of St. Felizitas

The imposing west tower of St. Felizitas Church is a striking feature that dominates the town's landscape. Standing over 70 meters tall, the tower consists of four levels, each progressively smaller than the one below. The lower level, with its large west window, is integrated into the church's interior. The middle levels, devoid of windows, feature decorative window embrasures that break up the tower's massive facade.

At the second level, the tower houses the clock mechanism, which drives the clock hands visible on the fourth level. The clock, built in 1928, was originally powered by weights that had to be manually wound. Today, an electric motor performs this task. The fourth level contains the bell chamber, and on the east side of the tower roof, a small roof houses two clock bells.

Above the fourth level, a gallery with a balustrade encircles the base of the octagonal, copper-clad spire, which dates back to the 19th century. Over time, the copper has developed a characteristic green patina, adding to the church's historic appearance. The rest of the roof, a complex structure of intersecting gables, is covered with slate.

The Interior of St. Felizitas

Entering the church from the north, visitors pass through a small entrance hall added in 1909. Inside, the late Gothic hall church reveals itself as a bright and spacious sanctuary. The side aisles are as tall as the central nave, separated only by slender round pillars, creating a sense of openness. The tower, integrated into the church's interior, is open on three sides and supported by two massive round pillars with a unique circumference of 7.42 meters.

The pillars are inscribed with historical records, detailing events such as five major city fires between 1568 and 1832, the tower's construction history, and the impact of the World Wars on the town and the church. The inscriptions provide a fascinating glimpse into Lüdinghausen's past.

The church's large windows are particularly noteworthy. The Ludgerus window depicts Saint Liudger, the founder of the faith in Lüdinghausen, as a missionary and bishop. The west window, a dramatic portrayal of the Last Judgment, captivates visitors with its intricate design. Jesus and Mary are surrounded by the twelve apostles, angels, and scenes of the final judgment, separating the blessed from the damned.

In 1869, a generous donation from Droste Erbdroste zu Darfeld funded the installation of a new high altar and a stained glass window by Johann Klein. The chancel window between the main church and the side chapel features three prophets from the Old Testament.

The main nave's ceiling is adorned with six star vaults, with the ribs forming the vaults' structure. The side aisles feature simpler cross-ribbed vaults. Two brass chandeliers hang from the vaults, each holding numerous candles that are lit during special ceremonies.

The side chapel, built between 1909 and 1910, has a two-bay vault with ribs ending in stone figures representing vices such as greed and drunkenness. The chapel's simple altar adds to its contemplative atmosphere.

In conclusion, St. Felizitas Church is more than just a place of worship; it is a living monument to Lüdinghausen's rich history and enduring faith. Its architectural beauty and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this charming German town.