St. Pauli

St. Pauli in Soest, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, stands as a testament to the rich historical and architectural heritage of this charming medieval town. This Gothic hall church, with its imposing square-towered structure, is a prominent landmark in the southwestern part of Soest and plays a significant role in the religious and cultural life of the community.

The Historical Significance of St. Pauli

The origins of St. Pauli date back to the late 12th century when Archbishop Philipp von Heinsberg initiated the expansion of Soest. The town was divided into four sectors, known as Hofen, each designated to have its own church. St. Pauli became the church of the southern Hofe, while St. Petri, also known as Alde Kerke, was the only city church at the time. The first documented mention of St. Pauli was in 1229, likely referring to a Romanesque predecessor of the current Gothic structure.

The transformation into the Gothic church we see today began around 1350, with the construction process continuing until approximately 1405/06, as evidenced by dendrochronological studies of the roof structure. The roof of St. Pauli, along with that of the Wiesenkirche, is one of the well-preserved Gothic church roofs in Soest, holding significant regional importance. The oldest parts of the church are the nave and the tower, with the choir being added about a century later.

St. Pauli During the Reformation

St. Pauli played a crucial role during the Reformation in Soest. In 1530, Johann Kelberg, a humanistically educated vicar and former Dominican friar, delivered the first Reformation sermon at St. Pauli. He openly supported the Reformation and became the first Lutheran pastor in Soest. Despite the Catholic interim, where a Catholic chaplain was briefly appointed, the citizens gradually returned to the Protestant faith. By 1552, St. Pauli was the first church in Soest to become Protestant again, with Walther von Stollwyck being permitted to celebrate communion in both kinds.

Architectural and Artistic Marvels

St. Pauli is not just a place of worship but also a treasure trove of Gothic architecture and art. The church houses several notable features, including a Gothic tabernacle in the choir area dating back to around 1450, a Gothic sandstone baptismal font from the first half of the 15th century, and a Renaissance pulpit from 1580. The altar panel, created around 1430 by the school of Conrad von Soest, is a masterpiece of medieval art.

One of the most striking features of St. Pauli is the stained glass window in the southern forechoir, dating back to the first half of the 15th century. This window, depicting various saints, survived World War II due to its relocation. In the 20th century, several choir windows were reassembled into the current window, albeit with some saintly figures incorrectly pieced together, possibly by glass painters from the same school as those who created the west window of Altenberg Cathedral.

The Walcker Organ and Bells

The Walcker organ, built in 1895 in the historic baroque organ case of its 1675 predecessor, is another highlight of St. Pauli. This pneumatic instrument, restored between 1992 and 1994, features 28 registers on two manuals and a pedal, including a unique 8' clarinet in the swell. The organ's freestanding console, centrally placed before the altar, adds to its grandeur.

St. Pauli's bell ensemble consists of four bells from the 18th century, housed in a wooden bell frame and mounted on wooden yokes from the casting period. An additional bell on the east side of the tower serves as the clock strike bell, all cast by Bernhard Wilhelm Stules.

The Columbarium

In December 2009, a columbarium was opened in the rear part of St. Pauli, providing space for 672 urns in eight steles. Designed by architect Hannes Knickeberg, this columbarium symbolizes the union of the living and the dead under one roof. The steles, made of welded stainless steel plates and adorned with glass bead blasting, exude a serene patina. The Baumberger sandstone covers, held by lead wool, add a tactile quality to the serene ambiance, reminiscent of a village churchyard with graves surrounding the church.

The columbarium area is separated from the worship space by a glass wall designed by artist Anna Pauli. A 32-meter-long colored glass band, depicting life lines, runs through the space, encouraging visitors to reflect on their own life's journey from birth to the transition into death. This columbarium is the first urn burial site within an Evangelical church in Westphalia.

Preservation and Restoration

In recent years, significant efforts have been made to preserve and restore St. Pauli. The roofs of the nave and tower, in particular, required extensive repairs. After emergency measures in 2004, a comprehensive restoration was completed between 2017 and 2018, ensuring the structural integrity of both roofs. The nave was re-roofed with natural slate in the traditional German style, while the tower received a complete lead covering, restoring its original appearance.

St. Pauli in Soest is not merely a church but a living monument to the town's history, architectural evolution, and cultural heritage. Its walls, windows, and altars tell stories of faith, resilience, and artistic achievement, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the rich tapestry of Soest's past and present.