Heilig Kreuz

Heilig Kreuz, or Holy Cross Church, is a remarkable Roman Catholic basilica located in the charming city of Bocholt, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This architectural marvel, designed by the renowned architect Dominikus Böhm, stands as a testament to modernist ecclesiastical architecture and holds a rich history that continues to draw visitors and worshippers alike.

The History of Heilig Kreuz

The story of Heilig Kreuz begins in the mid-1930s. The foundation stone of the church was laid on May 25, 1936, and the construction progressed swiftly, with the topping-out ceremony taking place on September 2 of the same year. The church was consecrated on June 13, 1937, by Auxiliary Bishop Heinrich Roleff. For many years, from 1939 to 2008, it served as a parish church before becoming a filial church of the newly formed Bocholter parish Liebfrauen, which emerged from the fusion of several local parishes, including Liebfrauen, Heilig Kreuz, Herz-Jesu-Kirche, and St. Helena.

The church's history is not just a tale of bricks and mortar but also of the community it served. Over the decades, Heilig Kreuz has been a place of solace, celebration, and spiritual growth for the people of Bocholt. However, as times change, so too do the needs of the community, and the church is set to close its doors in 2023.

Architectural Brilliance

Dominikus Böhm's design for Heilig Kreuz is a masterful blend of simplicity and grandeur. The exterior of the church is constructed primarily from local bricks, resembling ancient Roman bricks in their elongated and narrow form. This unique brickwork gives the building a sense of height and elegance, despite its relatively modest proportions. The main portal is framed in basalt lava, and the pillars in the large windows and between the small windows of the nave are made of concrete, adding to the church's robust yet refined appearance.

As you step through the tower portal, you are greeted by a deliberately low vestibule that opens into the expansive 48-meter-long nave. The nave is divided into three sections by two rows of pillars: the 10-meter-wide and 12-meter-high central nave and two 5-meter-wide and 4-meter-high side aisles. The transept extends from the nave, marked by tall side windows that allow natural light to flood the interior.

Interior Splendor

The interior of Heilig Kreuz is a study in light and space. The central nave is illuminated by rows of windows placed above the roofs of the side aisles, each measuring 2 meters in height and 70 cm in width, separated by concrete pillars. These windows are glazed with muted colored panes, creating a soft and even distribution of light throughout the church. The whitewashed walls further enhance this luminous effect, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere.

The focal point of the church is the elevated chancel, accessed by six steps. Here, the high altar, a simple table made of Roman travertine, stands majestically against the dominant rear wall. This wall was intended to feature a crucifixion group, making the altar the visual and spiritual center of the church. The chancel is flanked by the sacristy on the right and a day chapel on the left, the latter allowing worshippers to view the main altar even when the rest of the church is closed. The chapel's windows are vibrantly colored, depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ, in contrast to the more subdued windows of the transept.

The Bells and Organ

Heilig Kreuz is home to four bells, cast in 1951 from cast steel. These bells have rung out over Bocholt for decades, marking the passage of time and calling the faithful to worship.

The church's organ, built by the Franz Breil company in 1938/39, is another highlight. This magnificent instrument, partially constructed from the old organ of the Franciscan monastery in Dorsten, was inaugurated on May 7, 1939, by Cologne Cathedral organist Hans Bachem. The organ underwent renovations in 1992 and was further modified by organist Dirk Elsemann between 1993 and 1998, adding a second swell box and tremulant. In 1999, a choir organ was built by Johannes Klein, incorporating components from the large Breil organ of St. Gudula Church in Rhede. Although the choir organ was removed after 2007, the main organ remains a vital part of the church's musical heritage.

A Community's Heartbeat

Throughout its history, Heilig Kreuz has been more than just a building; it has been the heartbeat of a community. From the dedicated pastors and chaplains who served the parish to the organists and choir leaders who filled the church with music, each person has contributed to the rich tapestry of life at Heilig Kreuz. The church has witnessed countless baptisms, weddings, and funerals, marking the significant moments in the lives of its parishioners.

As Heilig Kreuz prepares to close in 2023, it leaves behind a legacy of faith, community, and architectural beauty. Visitors to Bocholt can still experience the serene grandeur of this remarkable church, a testament to the enduring power of faith and the vision of its architect, Dominikus Böhm. Whether you are drawn by its history, its architecture, or its spiritual significance, Heilig Kreuz stands as a beacon of inspiration and a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Bocholt.