St. Johannes

St. Johannes Church, affectionately known as the Little Church by locals, stands as a serene and charming landmark in the heart of Borken, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. With its quaint appearance and rich history, this church offers visitors a glimpse into the spiritual and architectural heritage of the region.

The Historical Evolution of St. Johannes Church

The story of St. Johannes Church begins around the year 1200 when it was originally established as the Ludgerus Chapel. The chapel was endowed with income by Knight Werenzo of Lohn in 1202 and consecrated by Prince-Bishop Hermann II of Katzenelnbogen. It was then elevated to the status of a filial church of the Borken parish church of St. Remigius.

In 1263, the church was transferred to the Knights Hospitaller by Bernhard Werenzo and his brother Gerhard of Lohn. The Hospitallers retained ownership until 1658, when they handed it over to the Capuchins, who had been residing in Borken since 1629. The Capuchins demolished the original structure in 1696 and constructed a single-nave baroque church on its foundations.

The church underwent significant changes over the centuries, including an expansion in 1777 with the addition of a chapel on the south side, which served as an independent place of worship featuring a revered image of the Mother of Good Counsel. The secularization of 1803 transferred the church and its associated monastery to the Principality of Salm. By 1810, the monastery was dissolved, and the buildings were repurposed as magazines and later as barracks for the Prussian Landwehr Battalion.

Restoration of the church for religious use began in 1819, and in 1857, the parish acquired the building from the Prussian state. Between 1887 and 1897, the church was expanded to include a chancel and was adorned in the neo-Gothic style. Despite suffering significant damage from bombings in 1945, the church was renovated between 1954 and 1957, restoring its baroque character.

The Architectural and Artistic Features

St. Johannes Church boasts a variety of architectural and artistic treasures. The high altar, side altar with a revered image, and baroque pulpit are among the notable features inside the church. One of the most striking elements is the Strahlenmadonna, a radiant depiction of the Virgin Mary.

The Main Organ

On the west gallery of the church stands an organ built around 1600, whose builder remains unknown. Originally intended for the Georgs-Kommende of the Teutonic Order in Münster, this organ was acquired by the parish in 1956. The instrument was restored by the organ-building workshop of Paul Ott in Göttingen, preserving the original upper case and main work chest while adding a new breastwork and independent pedal work. The organ, featuring 23 registers and purely mechanical action, is a masterpiece of Renaissance-style craftsmanship.

The Mutin Organ

In 2010, St. Johannes Church welcomed a second organ, crafted by Charles Mutin, a student and successor of the renowned organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. This instrument, built in 1924 for a theater in Marseille, was later used in the Catholic Church of St. Peter and Paul in Roquebrune-sur-Argens on the Côte d'Azur. The organ, with nine registers housed in a swellable case, exemplifies the unique characteristics of theater organs, including the absence of a traditional façade.

Visiting St. Johannes Church

A visit to St. Johannes Church is a journey through centuries of history and devotion. As you step inside, you are greeted by the serene ambiance and the intricate details of its baroque and neo-Gothic elements. The church's location in the bustling center of Borken makes it an accessible and peaceful retreat for both locals and tourists.

Whether you are drawn to its historical significance, architectural beauty, or spiritual atmosphere, St. Johannes Church offers a unique and enriching experience. The church's enduring presence and the stories embedded in its walls make it a cherished landmark in Borken, inviting all who enter to reflect on the past and find inspiration for the future.