In the heart of Schönebeck, a picturesque town nestled in the Salzlandkreis district of Saxony-Anhalt, stands the magnificent Sankt-Marien-Kirche, a beacon of faith and architectural splendor. This Roman Catholic church, located at Friedrichstraße 87, is not just a place of worship but a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.
The story of Sankt-Marien-Kirche is deeply intertwined with the religious and social transformations that have swept through Schönebeck over the centuries. The Reformation of 1542 marked a significant turning point, converting the town's populace and churches to Lutheranism. It wasn't until the early 19th century that Catholicism began to re-establish its presence in Schönebeck.
Initially, the Catholic community in Schönebeck was small and relied on the parish in Magdeburg for their spiritual needs. By 1808, occasional Catholic services were held in the prayer hall of Burg Schadeleben, which Catholics from Schönebeck attended. Between 1859 and 1871, the spiritual care of Schönebeck's Catholics was overseen by a priest from Calbe (Saale).
The year 1872 marked a significant milestone with the arrival of Carl Holst, the first Catholic priest in Schönebeck since the Reformation. Holst's Sunday masses were initially held in the hall of the Deutsches Haus inn. By November 1, 1873, a small chapel, converted from a stable, was consecrated by Missionary Pastor Friedrich Sauer from the St. Agnes Church in Magdeburg. This humble chapel served the community until June 14, 1908.
From 1906 to 1908, the present Sankt-Marien-Kirche was constructed based on the designs of Baurat and Royal District Building Inspector Körner. The church, built in the neo-Gothic style, features a cross-shaped floor plan and is constructed from striking red brick. The foundation stone was laid on April 28, 1907, by Provost Franz Schauerte, who also performed the church's benediction on June 14, 1908. The episcopal consecration followed on June 22, 1912, by Bishop Karl Joseph Schulte of Paderborn, to whose diocese Schönebeck then belonged.
The church underwent significant renovations in 1961-1962, and again in 1980 when underfloor heating was installed, giving the altar and choir their current design. The church's interior and the colorful glazing of the windows were crafted by Christof Grüger. The stained-glass windows in the nave, created between 1960 and 1961, are known as Building Blocks of Creation, while those in the choir are called Song of Creation.
The left choir window, titled Irrational Creation, depicts an evolutionary progression from crystals and atoms to plants and animals. The right window, Rational Creation, showcases humans, saints, and angels. A copper sculpture created in 1962, The Great Returning One, represents a blessing Christ in the choir. In 1971-1972, the church was enriched with a Marian mosaic by Grüger, portraying Mary as the vessel of the Holy Spirit. Zodiac signs depicted in the mosaic point to December 25, symbolizing Christ as the fulfillment of all religions.
The altar and lectern, designed by Magdeburg sculptor Detlef Rossdeutscher, are modern masterpieces. The altar features a vine relief, echoing Jesus' words in the Gospel of John, I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit. The lectern depicts a modern man, lying on the ground in search of help, his hand touching the Word of God proclaimed from the pulpit.
In 1980, the parish acquired a Madonna figure dating back to the first half of the 15th century. The church also houses a series of paintings by Magdeburg artist B. Johansen, created in 1983, depicting the Stations of the Cross. These paintings include stylized figures wearing gas masks and steel helmets, symbolizing the perils of modern times.
The right aisle of the church is home to an organ, inaugurated in November 1986. Crafted by the organ-building company Wolfgang Nußbücker from Plau, this two-manual instrument boasts 27 registers and four transmissions.
On May 1, 2006, the St. Marien parish formed a community association with the St. Norbert parish in Calbe. At that time, the Schönebeck parish had approximately 1,700 Catholics. This association eventually led to the establishment of the current parish of St. Marien and St. Norbert on November 28, 2010, based in Schönebeck. The parish also includes Biere, where Catholic services are regularly held in the Protestant St. Andreas Church, as well as Barby, Großmühlingen, and Groß Rosenburg, where Catholic chapels were set up in the 1950s but have since been deconsecrated.
From June 2009, further work was carried out on the church's floor and underfloor heating. The electrical system and lighting were also updated, the walls were given a bright coat of paint, the windows were refurbished, and the altar was partially redesigned. By the first Advent of 2009, the renovations were largely completed. In recent years, before the dissolution of the deanery structures in the Diocese of Magdeburg on September 1, 2023, Schönebeck belonged to the Deanery of Egeln.
Sankt-Marien-Kirche is more than a place of worship; it is a living monument to the enduring spirit and faith of the Schönebeck community. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant artistic expressions make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the cultural and spiritual heritage of Saxony-Anhalt.
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