Christuskirche Wels

Nestled in the charming city of Wels in Upper Austria, the Christuskirche Wels, known locally as the Evangelische Pfarrkirche Wels, stands as a beacon of history, faith, and architectural beauty. This Protestant parish church is not just a place of worship but a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Lutheran community in the region. With its captivating neo-Gothic design and rich history, Christuskirche Wels is a must-visit for anyone exploring the cultural and historical tapestry of Wels.

The Historical Journey of Christuskirche Wels

The roots of Christuskirche Wels trace back to the early 16th century when the Lutheran Reformation began to take hold in the region. In 1527, the city’s Catholic parish priest and his two chaplains were documented supporters of Martin Luther's teachings. The influential Pollheim family, local nobility, also embraced the Reformation and appointed Protestant preachers at their castle. However, the Counter-Reformation in 1624 forced the last Protestant pastor into exile, dissolving the Protestant congregations. This period of religious turmoil saw many local Protestants facing persecution, including forced relocations to Transylvania in the mid-18th century.

The tide turned with Emperor Joseph II's Edict of Tolerance in 1781, which allowed the re-establishment of Protestant congregations in the Habsburg lands. By 1782, the Protestant community in Wels was officially recognized, making it one of the first in Austria to gain such status. The congregation initially used the old St. George’s Church in the suburbs of Wels for their services. The first Protestant pastor of this newly reformed community was Johann Michael Felbinger.

The Architectural Marvel of Christuskirche Wels

The Christuskirche Wels, located at the intersection of Bahnhofstraße and Martin-Luther-Platz, was constructed between 1849 and 1852. The church was designed by the Nuremberg architect Carl Alexander Heideloff in the neo-Gothic style, with construction overseen by the Hanoverian architect Michael Geiger. The church was consecrated on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul in 1852.

The architectural design of Christuskirche Wels is a stunning example of neo-Gothic style. The church features a transparent, cross-rib vaulted hall supported by slender octagonal pillars, creating a sense of openness and light. The altar house, ending in a polygonal apse, is flanked by two-story annexes that give the church a quasi-transept appearance from the outside. The church's tower, crowned with a pointed helmet, transitions into an octagon adorned with pinnacles in its uppermost section, adding to its Gothic charm.

The Artistic Treasures Within

Inside Christuskirche Wels, visitors can admire the original artistic furnishings from its construction period, crafted by the Nuremberg artists Ziegler (a carpenter and carver) and Hütter (a gilder). The centerpiece of the church’s interior is the triptych altarpiece, featuring a central depiction of the Crucifixion and side panels portraying the Apostles Peter and Paul, created by Munich curator Carl Mattenheimer.

The Majestic Organ

The church’s musical heart is its magnificent organ. Initially installed in 1852, the organ was built by the Nuremberg organ builder Joseph Bittner. In 1930, the organ was reconstructed by Wilhelm Zika Sr., incorporating some original pipes and wind chests, based on a design by Johann Nepomuk David, who served as the church’s organist from 1930 to 1934. The organ underwent further enhancements in 1960 and a significant technical renovation in 1985 by Orgelbau Kögler, which included the addition of new sections to the historic casing. The organ’s current disposition includes a variety of stops and couplers, ensuring a rich and versatile sound.

The Resonant Bells

The Christuskirche Wels also boasts a set of four bells, installed in 1951 to replace those lost during World War II. Cast by the Oberascher bell foundry in Salzburg, these bells chime in the tones of E-flat, G, B-flat, and C, adding a melodious backdrop to the church’s daily life and worship.

In conclusion, Christuskirche Wels is not only a place of spiritual significance but also a historical and architectural gem. Its neo-Gothic splendor, rich history, and artistic treasures make it a captivating destination for visitors. Whether you are drawn by its historical narrative, architectural beauty, or the serene atmosphere of its sacred space, Christuskirche Wels offers a unique glimpse into the cultural and religious heritage of Wels.