St. Paulus

Nestled in the heart of Harsewinkel, North Rhine-Westphalia, St. Paulus stands as a testament to modern ecclesiastical architecture and community spirit. This relatively young Catholic filial church, a part of the St. Lucia parish, is not just a place of worship but a symbol of the town's growth and resilience.

The History of St. Paulus

The story of St. Paulus begins in the bustling post-war years of the 1950s and 1960s. Harsewinkel experienced a significant rise in its Catholic population, reaching over 9,000 members. The existing St. Lucia parish struggled to provide adequate pastoral care for such a large congregation. It was clear that a new parish was needed to cater to the spiritual needs of the expanding community.

In the early 1960s, the first discussions about establishing a new parish began. Kaplan Karl-Gerd Haggeney was appointed to oversee this ambitious project. The parish boundaries were soon delineated, covering areas such as Rövekamp, Bauerschaft Überems, and the western part of Bauerschaft Rheda. The support from the St. Lucia parish councils and active members of the new parish was instrumental in moving the project forward.

In May 1964, the Bishop's General Vicariate granted permission to hold school services in the Overberg School's break hall. As the Harsewinkel Secondary School was completed, Sunday Masses were also celebrated in its atrium. This period marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic community in Harsewinkel.

After much deliberation, it was decided that the new parish and church would be dedicated to the Apostle Paul. The design by Cologne architect Hans Schilling was chosen from several submitted plans. The construction of St. Paulus was a significant financial undertaking, with costs amounting to approximately 1.5 million DM. Funding came from various sources: 250,000 DM from the Diocese of Münster, 390,000 DM from the sale of parish land, 250,000 DM from the town of Harsewinkel, and 600,000 DM raised through community donations.

On October 14, 1965, the St. Lucia parish council, under Dechant Markforth, approved the construction of the new church. The Bishop's General Vicariate followed suit on December 18, 1965. The building permit was granted on February 28, 1966, and construction work commenced on April 18, 1966, by the firm Büscher & Sohn from Münster. The foundation stone was laid on July 24, 1966, by Cathedral Provost Clemens Echelmeyer from Münster.

The construction progressed rapidly, and by October 6, 1966, the topping-out ceremony was celebrated. Less than a year later, on September 9, 1967, Auxiliary Bishop Heinrich Tenhumberg consecrated the church and handed it over to the community. St. Paulus became a self-sufficient pastoral rectorate under the leadership of Rector Haggeney. On February 15, 1968, it was elevated to the status of a parish, and on March 17, Karl-Gerd Haggeney was appointed as the first pastor of St. Paulus.

The first parish council election took place on March 24, 1968, followed by the first parish committee election on May 5, 1968. The crowning of the church tower was completed on August 11, 1985. However, on April 27, 2014, Bishop Felix Genn dissolved the independent parish of St. Paulus, merging it with the newly established St. Lucia parish. The former parish church was then designated as a filial church.

The Architectural Splendor

The architectural design of St. Paulus is a striking example of modernist church architecture. The church's exterior, characterized by its clean lines and geometric shapes, reflects the architectural trends of the 1960s. The use of brick and concrete gives the building a robust and timeless appearance, while the tall, slender tower crowned with a distinctive spire adds a touch of elegance.

Inside, the church boasts a spacious and airy nave, designed to create a sense of openness and light. The large windows allow natural light to flood the interior, enhancing the serene and contemplative atmosphere. The minimalist design and simple yet elegant furnishings focus attention on the altar, the central point of the church's liturgical life.

The Organ and Bells

St. Paulus is home to a remarkable organ, first inaugurated on September 17, 1977. In 2004, it was replaced with a new instrument built by the Manufacture d’Orgues Muhleisen from Strasbourg. This French-romantic organ features 35 sounding registers and a carillon on three manuals and pedal, with additional transmissions from the Récit to the Positif and from the Grand Orgue to the pedal, totaling 45 registers. The mechanical action and electric stop action provide a versatile and expressive musical experience. Renowned organist Hansjörg Albrecht has recorded several CDs on this impressive instrument.

The church's bells, cast in 1969 by the Eifeler Glockengießerei in Brockscheid, add a melodious charm to the community. Their resonant tones call the faithful to worship and mark significant moments in the life of the parish.

The Community and Legacy

Over the years, St. Paulus has been served by several dedicated pastors, each contributing to the parish's growth and spiritual life. From its first pastor, Karl-Gerd Haggeney, to subsequent leaders, the church has been a beacon of faith and community in Harsewinkel.

Today, as a filial church of the St. Lucia parish, St. Paulus continues to serve the spiritual needs of its congregation. It stands as a symbol of the enduring faith and resilience of the Catholic community in Harsewinkel, a place where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously.

Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to Harsewinkel, a visit to St. Paulus offers a glimpse into the town's rich religious heritage and the vibrant life of its Catholic community. The church's modernist architecture, remarkable organ, and melodious bells make it a unique and inspiring place of worship. As you explore this architectural gem, you will discover the enduring spirit of a community that has built and sustained a house of faith for generations.