St. Georg

St. Georg, also known locally as St.-Georg-Kirche, stands as a majestic testament to Gothic architecture in the heart of Bocholt, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This Roman Catholic church, dating back to the 15th century, is not only a place of worship but also a cherished landmark that embodies the historical and cultural essence of the city. Alongside the Historic Town Hall, St. Georg is considered one of Bocholt's most significant symbols.

The History of St. Georg

The roots of St. Georg trace back to the 8th century when the mission to convert the Saxons in the Bocholt area began with Bernhard of Utrecht. The missionary Liudger, sent by Charlemagne, continued this endeavor, leading to the construction of the first wooden church around the year 800. This early structure was replaced by a stone church in the 11th century, which, in turn, gave way to a late Romanesque building in the 13th century. The foundations of these earlier churches still lie beneath the present-day St. Georg.

The cornerstone for the current late Gothic hall church was laid on April 15, 1415. By April 8, 1455, the church was dedicated to St. George, the patron saint of Bocholt. Construction of the tower on the church's west side began on June 19, 1472, and was completed in 1486. The church has witnessed numerous historical events, including the burial of the notable copper engraver Israhel van Meckenem the Younger in 1503.

Destruction and Rebirth

St. Georg's tower has faced its share of calamities. A lightning strike on May 5, 1593, destroyed the tower's roof, which was then replaced with an octagonal spire. Another lightning strike on January 12, 1745, led to the construction of a baroque tower hood, affectionately known as Päperbüsse or Pepperbox, designed by architect Johann Neher. The church suffered extensive damage during a British bombing raid on March 22, 1945, leaving only its foundation walls intact. Reconstruction began in 1948, and by Christmas 1950, the first mass was held in the restored church. The current copper roof of the tower, designed by architect Rudolf Schwarz, was completed in 1958, with a cross and rooster atop the tower designed by Joseph Jaekel.

Architectural Marvels and Interior Treasures

Approaching St. Georg, visitors are greeted by a 2.60-meter-high statue of Mary by Wilhelm Hanebal, commemorating mothers who lost their sons in the war. Above the tower entrance, statues of St. Ludgerus and St. George stand sentinel. The church's west window, depicting the Assumption of Mary, dates back to 1953.

The church's exterior features a blend of sandstone and tuff stone, with the interior measuring approximately 59 meters in length and 23 meters in width. The central nave's vault reaches a height of 16 meters, while the side aisles' vaults are about 12 meters high. Among the interior's many treasures are two small sandstone figures and a prophet figure from neo-Gothic altars created by Bocholter sculptor Theodor Stracke. The fourth Station of the Cross, embedded in the west wall, was crafted by Gerd Brüx from Kleve.

The southern wall houses a 16th-century Christ figure from the Brabender School, while a bronze plaque on the right front tower pillar commemorates Israhel van Meckenem. The southern side aisle's Marian figure, dating from the 16th century, was acquired in 1985. The wooden pulpit in the central nave, created by Bocholter artist Hermann Schlatt, was donated by the Bocholter City Council in 1952.

The Bocholter Cross and the Altar

One of the church's most significant artifacts is the Bocholter Cross, a Gothic forked crucifix from the early 14th century, which remains a focal point of regional pilgrimage. The altar, crafted by Hubert Teschlade from Münster-Nienberge in the 1960s, features bronze panels depicting ears of wheat, grapevines with roots, and a crown of thorns. The ambo and black chairs, designed by Gottfried Böhm, add a modern touch to the sacred space.

The tabernacle, designed by Gottfried Böhm in 1977, is a silver tabernacle shrine with an annunciation scene from the former high altar. Opposite the tabernacle, the foundation stone, inscribed in Latin, marks the beginning of the Gothic church's construction on April 15, 1415.

Stunning Stained Glass and Sacred Figures

The choir windows, created during the church's post-war reconstruction, depict a crucifixion scene with the resurrection of Jesus above it. The left side window features St. George, while the right side window showcases the Archangel Michael. Four sandstone figures by Theodor Stracke, representing the patrons of church music—St. Ambrose, King David, St. Cecilia, and Pope Gregory the Great—adorn the choir walls. Below them, a neo-Gothic choir stall, installed in 1985, provides seating for the clergy.

A figure of St. Lawrence of Brindisi, created by Johannes Paschker from Oeding, hangs beneath the organ prospectus. The side door area features a statue of St. George, the church and city's patron, from the Franconian-Swabian region around 1480, acquired in 1986. Above the side door, the foundation stone from 1980 is embedded. The treasury above the new sacristy displays liturgical items from Cardinal Melchior von Diepenbrock's estate.

The Organ and Bells

St. Georg's grand organ, located on the east wall of the northern transept, was built by Franz Breil in 1950 and expanded in 1977. Restored in 2013 by Fleiter Orgelbau, the organ now boasts 53 registers, three manuals, and a pedal, making it the largest organ in Bocholt. The instrument features a movable console and a variety of effect registers, including a carillon, nightingale, and cymbal star.

Among the church's bells, two were cast in 1950 from the remnants of 18th-century bells destroyed during World War II. The original bells were cast by Jean Petit.

St. Georg in Bocholt is more than just a church; it is a living chronicle of faith, resilience, and artistry. Its walls and artifacts tell the story of a community that has weathered the storms of history and emerged with a renewed spirit. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual pilgrim, a visit to St. Georg promises a profound and enriching experience.