Redeemer Church

Redeemer Church, known locally as Erlöserkirche, stands as a remarkable beacon of faith and architectural beauty in the Rheindorf district of Lustenau, Austria. This Roman Catholic parish church is not just a place of worship but a testament to the resilience and dedication of its community, having been a pivotal part of Lustenau's spiritual and cultural landscape for nearly a century.

A Journey Through Time

The story of Redeemer Church begins in the late 19th century when Lustenau's burgeoning population necessitated the construction of a new church. The initial steps towards this goal were taken in 1897, but it wasn't until after the First World War that significant progress was made. Despite the economic turmoil and inflation of the post-war period, the community's unwavering commitment saw the establishment of a church building fund, which laid the financial foundation for the church's construction.

The architectural journey of the church commenced in earnest in 1933 when the building committee approved the designs of architects Willibald Braun and Emanuel Thurnher. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on August 15 of the same year, with the foundation stone being laid on November 12, 1933, in a ceremony attended by Bishop Sigismund Waitz. By Christmas Eve of 1935, the church was already hosting services on Sundays and holidays, and it was officially consecrated by Bishop Paulus Rusch on October 22, 1939, even though it remained unplastered until 1952.

Architectural Splendor

The Redeemer Church is a basilica in its fundamental design, characterized by a high nave with a gabled roof flanked by side aisles with hipped roofs and paired slender round-arched windows. The chancel ends in a semicircular apse, with a three-story sacristy annexed to its southern side. A striking feature of the church is its 40-meter-high bell tower, located at the southwest corner, which boasts a round-arched hall and a flat gable top.

Visitors are greeted by a forecourt leading to the main entrance on the western side, which features a porch with a three-arch arcade. Above these arches, statues of the Archangel Michael and figures representing the Blessed and the Damned, created by Bregenzer sculptor Emil Gehrer between 1953 and 1955, add a dramatic touch to the façade. A round window above these figures completes the west-facing exterior.

The church's exterior is further adorned by a sgraffito of the Redeemer, dating back to 1952, by artist Leo Sebastian Humer, which overlooks the adjoining cemetery. The inscription below this artwork, I am the resurrection and the life, by Markus Bachmann, adds a profound spiritual message to the visual artistry.

Inside the Sanctuary

Inside, the Redeemer Church presents a spacious hall with a seven-bay wooden ceiling in the high nave and flat roofs over the straight-ended side aisles. The elevated chancel houses an undercroft that is accessible from the outside, providing a separate space for smaller gatherings. The chancel gallery at the rear of the church is supported by a wooden beam ceiling, adding to the structural elegance of the interior.

The church's principal furnishings include copper repoussé work on the tabernacle by Josef Baumgartner, depicting scenes of the Adoration of the Shepherds and the Kings on one side and the Last Supper on the other. Much of the altar area, including the baptismal font, people's altar, ambo, sedilia, and credence table, was renewed during the 1986 renovation.

The pulpit, crafted by Walter Kuen, features wooden figures of the New Testament epistle authors: Apostles John, James, Paul, Peter, and Jude Thaddeus, each adding a touch of historical reverence to the church's interior.

Art and Stained Glass

The chancel apse is graced by a fresco by Viennese artist Sepp Maierhuber, depicting the Grace Throne motif with Jesus on the crucifix, the Holy Spirit represented as a dove, and God the Father above. Angels flanking the cross symbolize the Old and New Testaments, while the four evangelist symbols complete the fresco at the bottom.

The Stations of the Cross were created by South Tyrolean artist Leo Sebastian Humer, adding a contemplative path for worshippers and visitors alike.

The church's windows, designed by glass painter Carl Rieder and produced by the Tyrolean Glass Painting Institute, are a visual feast. The apse features eight round-arched windows with abstract color patterns transitioning from warm yellows and reds at the bottom to cool blues at the top. Along the nave, pairs of high round-arched windows depict scenes connecting the works of Jesus Christ with actions of saints or other significant figures, creating a narrative tapestry of faith and history.

The Organ and Bells

The church's organ, installed in 1995 by the Rieger Orgelbau workshop from Schwarzach and consecrated by Bishop Klaus Küng, features 33 registers on two manuals and a pedal, replacing an earlier organ from 1948. The organ's majestic sound fills the church during services and concerts, adding to the spiritual atmosphere.

The original bell set, cast by the Grassmayr foundry in 1936, was mostly requisitioned during World War II, except for the death bell. A new set of six bells, also cast by Grassmayr, was consecrated in 1949, with the largest bell being recast in 2001 after it cracked in the late 1990s.

A Place of Community and Reflection

Redeemer Church is more than just a building; it is a living testament to the faith and resilience of the Lustenau community. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a protected monument, the church continues to serve as a place of worship, reflection, and community gathering. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to Redeemer Church offers a profound and enriching experience, echoing the enduring spirit of its parishioners and the timeless beauty of its sacred spaces.