Oberhofenkirche

Situated in the charming town of Göppingen in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, the Oberhofenkirche stands as a testament to centuries of architectural evolution and historical significance. This Protestant church, constructed between 1436 and 1490, is the second oldest building in Göppingen’s city center, following the nearby Heiligkreuzkapelle. Today, it serves as one of the two main Protestant churches in the town, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of the region’s religious and cultural history.

The Historical Journey of Oberhofenkirche

The origins of Oberhofenkirche can be traced back to the remnants of several predecessor structures, including a Roman villa rustica from the 2nd or 3rd century AD and four smaller wooden churches. The church's documented history begins in 1275 when it was first mentioned as Göppingen’s initial parish church. Located outside the city walls, this late Gothic hall church was reconstructed by Count Ulrich V of Württemberg between 1436 and 1490, transforming it into a collegiate church.

A significant relic inventory from around 1400, preserved in Schwäbisch Gmünd, indicates the church's importance during that period. In 1514, a predicature was established within the church, marking its prominence in the religious landscape of southwestern Germany. The church features a flat-roofed nave originally planned to be three-aisled, a vaulted transept, an elevated polygonal choir, and two flanking choir towers. These towers were not completed until 1884 when August von Beyer, the master builder of Ulm Minster, added stone helmets, bringing the towers to a height of 50 meters.

Surviving the Reformation and Beyond

During the Reformation, the Oberhofenkirche initially remained Catholic due to the presence of the collegiate canons. However, the church's role shifted after the dissolution of the collegiate chapter in early 1535. Located outside the city and within a cemetery, it was primarily used for funerals and occasionally as a substitute venue during construction work on the Renaissance-style Stadtkirche, built in 1619.

The church witnessed a brief revival of the Catholic chapter by Jesuits from 1636 to 1649 under Austrian rule, which ended with the Peace of Westphalia. Subsequent restoration efforts were necessary due to structural instability, culminating in the complete renewal of the choir and nave roofs by 1687.

Architectural and Artistic Splendor

Inside the Oberhofenkirche, visitors can marvel at significant late Gothic choir stalls and ornate Baroque epitaphs, some of which were relocated from the Stadtkirche around 1770. The church's north choir wall features frescoes from the original construction period, while the south portal showcases a 1470 depiction of the church's foundation, including the only surviving image of the undestroyed Hohenstaufen Castle, uncovered in 1938.

The Zillenhardt Chapel within the church houses the tomb monuments of the donor family from the nearby Zillenhart Castle. The nave's Baroque stucco ceiling, dating from 1686, was created during structural reinforcement efforts. A wooden crucifix from 1510 adorns the choir, and in 1938, artist Walter Kohler created stained glass windows depicting the life of Christ, complemented by additional windows by his son Wolf-Dieter Kohler in 1983.

The Kohler Windows: A Masterpiece of Glass Art

The stained glass windows in the choir, crafted by Walter and Wolf-Dieter Kohler, are a highlight of the Oberhofenkirche. Walter Kohler's central window, installed in 1938, portrays Christ's journey from suffering to sovereignty, including symbolic depictions of Judas, the wolf in sheep's clothing, and the state inadvertently elevating the cross. This window’s creation during a tumultuous period in history adds to its significance.

Wolf-Dieter Kohler's contributions in 1983 flank his father's work, illustrating God's creative power, the covenant of peace, and the promise of salvation on the left, and the work of the Holy Spirit and the ultimate union of bride and groom on the right. Together, these windows form a cohesive narrative that intertwines biblical themes with historical context.

The Bells of Oberhofenkirche

The church's bell history reflects its varied use over the centuries. After the construction of the Stadtkirche and the end of the Thirty Years' War, the largest bell was transferred to the Stadtkirche in 1653. The remaining bells served primarily for funerals, as the towers had been damaged by lightning and were capped with temporary roofs for over 300 years. The south tower was even used as a telegraph station in the early 19th century.

Since the church's restoration as a parish church in 1902, the current set of bells, cast by the Stuttgart bell foundry Heinrich Kurtz in 1950, is the third set within 35 years, with previous bells having been requisitioned for war efforts.

In conclusion, the Oberhofenkirche in Göppingen is not just a place of worship but a repository of history, art, and resilience. Its walls and windows tell stories of faith, struggle, and artistic triumph, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the rich cultural heritage of Baden-Württemberg.