Evangelische Kirche Attendorn

The Evangelische Kirche Attendorn, also known locally as the Erlöserkirche, stands as a prominent landmark in the picturesque town of Attendorn in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. This striking church, with its robust architecture and rich history, is not just a place of worship but also a testament to the resilience and faith of the local Protestant community.

The Historical Journey of Evangelische Kirche Attendorn

The roots of the Evangelische Kirche Attendorn trace back to a time when the Protestant community was nearly non-existent in Attendorn. In 1820, there was only one Protestant resident in the town. However, with the advent of industrialization and the establishment of the Landwehr battalion 35, the Protestant population began to grow. The first Protestant service in Attendorn was held in 1839, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the community.

By 1848, the military congregation had evolved into the Protestant parish of Attendorn. The community's first church, accommodating 200 people, was built in 1855 in the garden of the parsonage. However, as the congregation continued to grow, it became evident that a larger church was needed. Thus, the quest for a new, more spacious place of worship began.

The congregation initially secured three plots of land at the present-day Klosterplatz, adjacent to the monastery church. However, the predominantly Catholic city council rejected the construction of a Protestant church in such a prominent location. Consequently, the Protestant community chose a site on the grounds of the filled city moat.

Architect Gustav Mucke was commissioned to design the new church. Construction preparations began in the spring of 1913, and the foundation stone was laid on August 3, 1913. Most of the work was entrusted to local craftsmen to foster goodwill with the Catholic majority. The construction costs were estimated at 80,000 marks, but the final bill amounted to 86,000 marks, largely funded through donations and support from the Gustav-Adolf-Werk. The church was consecrated on July 28, 1914.

Architectural Splendor

The Evangelische Kirche Attendorn is an imposing, cross-shaped central structure built from bossed ashlar. It covers a ground area of 335.61 square meters, with the side tower occupying an additional 32.45 square meters. The exterior is adorned with contrasting colored stone, adding to its visual appeal. Originally, the church's lighting and wall and ceiling decorations featured Art Nouveau elements. The chancel area was decorated with a carpet pattern at the bottom and a starry sky at the top.

In the 1960s, the interior was painted gray, and dark wood dominated, reflecting the contemporary taste for uniformity. The main room is vaulted, and the side arms, which are barrel-vaulted, house galleries. The original ornamental painting was restored in 1997, except for the starry sky in the chancel. Most of the furnishings date back to the church's construction period. A folding door allows the rear section to be separated if needed. The entrance area features 37 crosses, commemorating those who fell in both World Wars.

The Resilient Bells and Organ

The church's original bronze bells were melted down in 1942 during World War II. After the war, three steel bells from the Bochumer Verein were installed. In 1995, these were replaced with five new bronze bells, harmonized with the bells of the nearby Sauerländer Dom. Additionally, one bell from the previous church building was preserved.

The church organ, built by the Kleuker organ-building company in 1969, is a neo-baroque instrument with 14 sounding registers on two manuals and a pedal. The mechanical action organ continues to serve the congregation's musical needs.

A Testament to Faith and Community

The Evangelische Kirche Attendorn is more than a place of worship; it is a symbol of the Protestant community's enduring faith and determination. From its humble beginnings with a single Protestant resident to its present-day status as a protected historical monument, the church's journey reflects the resilience and unity of its congregation. Visitors to Attendorn will find in the Evangelische Kirche Attendorn not only a beautiful architectural gem but also a poignant reminder of the town's rich religious heritage.