Church of St Hippolytus

Located in the heart of Troisdorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, the Church of St Hippolytus (known locally as St. Hippolytus) stands as a testament to the rich ecclesiastical history of the region. This Roman Catholic parish church, with its striking architecture and deep historical roots, is a must-visit for anyone exploring Troisdorf and its surroundings.

The Historical Tapestry of the Church of St Hippolytus

Troisdorf boasts over a millennium of ecclesiastical tradition, with the Church of St Hippolytus being a significant part of this heritage. The first mention of a church in Troisdorf dates back to 1064 when Archbishop Anno II of Cologne granted the church and its associated estate to the newly founded Abbey of Siegburg. The choice of St. Hippolytus as the patron saint is rare in the Rhineland and is attributed to connections with the Ursulastift in Cologne, which housed the saint's relics during the Middle Ages.

The original church, as indicated by an 1820 cadastral plan, stood beside the site where a new Neo-Gothic, three-nave structure was erected in 1863-1864. The old church had become structurally unsound by the 1770s and was officially closed in 1854. For a decade, the Troisdorf community made do with makeshift arrangements, including converting a barn and later holding services in a private house until the new church was completed and consecrated in late 1864.

The rapid population growth of Troisdorf necessitated an expansion of the church in 1898. Remarkably, the Church of St Hippolytus emerged unscathed from the ravages of World War II. However, by the early 1950s, structural issues prompted plans for a new building, which culminated in the construction of the current church between 1963 and 1964. Designed by architect Karl Band, the new edifice retained the choir and tower of the previous structure, with the latter being partially rebuilt and clad in new materials. The space for the congregation was entirely reconstructed, featuring a distinctive gabled roof.

A Journey Through the Church's Interior

Stepping into the Church of St Hippolytus, visitors are greeted by the oldest furnishing in the church: a Romanesque baptismal font from the 12th century, crafted from trachyte. This ancient artifact stands proudly under the organ loft, which itself is crowned by the impressive façade of the organ.

The church's interior showcases the artistic contributions of Karl Matthäus Winter from Limburg, who created the tabernacle, altar, communion rail, seating in the chancel, ambo, and candlesticks. One of the church's artistic treasures is the Troisdorf Madonna, housed in the left side apse near the chancel. Despite extensive restoration work between 1983 and 1988, the exact origin and date of this Madonna remain a mystery.

On the southern longitudinal side of the church, visitors will find a memorial for the victims of war and tyranny, featuring a relief titled The Death of St. Joseph created by Karl Menser of Bonn in 1928. The large bronze cross in the church's interior, crafted by Helge Kühnapfel in 1967, is another notable piece of artwork.

The Stained Glass Windows

The church's windows, designed by Cologne glass artist Hans Lünenborg in 1964, are a visual feast. These windows are not only aesthetically pleasing with their vibrant colors and intricate designs but also rich in symbolism. They feature Christ symbols such as the Light of Salvation, the Sun of Grace with a thorn branch, the Tree of Life, and the Heavenly Jerusalem, as well as Marian symbols like the Ivory Tower, the Mystical Rose, and the Shell-Pearl.

The Melodious Organ

The church's organ, built in 1969 by the Rieger Orgelbau company from Vorarlberg, is a marvel of musical engineering. It boasts 36 registers distributed across three manuals and a pedal. The organ's detailed disposition includes couplings I/II, III/II, III/I, I/P, II/P, and III/P, as well as six mechanical combinations. The organ was played by Michael Veltman from 1991 until 2021, adding to the church's rich musical tradition.

The Resonant Bells

The Church of St Hippolytus is equipped with four bells, each with its own unique name and tone. The bells, cast by Albert Junker in Brilon in 1949, are named Christus (strike tone cis′+5), Hippolytus (e′+4), and Maria (fis′+7). The Angel Bell (a′-5), cast in 1925 by the Otto company from Hemelingen near Bremen, completes the harmonious quartet.

Modern Additions

In recent years, the church's surroundings have been enhanced with the construction of the Hippolytushaus community center and the Hippolytusgarten family center, both completed between 2018 and 2020. Designed by Atelier Brückner from Stuttgart, these modern facilities complement the historic church, providing spaces for community activities and family services.

In conclusion, the Church of St Hippolytus is more than just a place of worship; it is a beacon of Troisdorf's rich history and cultural heritage. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to this remarkable church promises a memorable experience filled with historical insights, artistic beauty, and spiritual reflection.