St. Jürgen

St. Jürgen Church, an evocative blend of history and architecture, stands proudly in the heart of Heide, Schleswig-Holstein, at the southwestern corner of the bustling market square. This evangelical-lutheran church, dedicated to St. George (or St. Jürgen in Low German), has been a spiritual and cultural beacon for the town since its inception in the 15th century.

The Historical Journey

The origins of St. Jürgen Church trace back to 1435 when a chapel was first erected in Heide, dedicated to St. George. This initial structure, however, met a tragic fate in 1559 during the Last Feud, when it was completely destroyed by royal Danish and ducal troops. Rising from the ashes, a new church was constructed on the original foundations and was consecrated as early as 1560. Remarkably, this resilient structure has largely withstood the test of time, albeit with several modifications.

The church's architectural journey is fascinating. Initially constructed with fieldstones, the walls were later continued with bricks. A significant expansion occurred between 1694 and 1696, adding a large annex on the southern side, resembling a transept. Further modifications included the addition of buttressed chancel walls in 1724 and a neoclassical staircase annex on the northern side in the early 19th century.

The west gable, renewed in 1739, features five round-arched windows and is segmented by cornices into distinct levels. A sandstone relief above the main portal, depicting the resurrected Christ, is a modern copy, with the original 16th-century piece now housed inside the church. The slender, three-story wooden tower, showcasing late Renaissance forms, was initially built in 1611 and underwent a significant transformation in 1724. A smaller baroque roof turret, added in 1711 and renewed in 1911, complements the tower's design.

Inside St. Jürgen Church

Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by a bright and airy interior, thanks to the large round-arched windows. The space is crowned by a coffered ceiling installed in 1880, adding to the church's charm. Balconies line the north and west sides of the nave, offering a unique vantage point.

The church's interior boasts a wealth of artistic and historical treasures. The two-story altarpiece from 1699, crafted by Hamburg altar carver Valentin Preuß and featuring paintings by Johann Holte, is a masterpiece of high baroque art. The central painting depicts the Crucifixion, flanked by statues of angels and the four evangelists, with smaller paintings of the Last Supper and Christ's entombment.

A gothic carved altar, dating back to around 1515, adorns the south wall of the nave. This triptych features a central panel depicting the Lamentation of Christ, with side panels showcasing scenes of saints. The intricate carvings and detailed iconography are believed to result from the amalgamation of two medieval side altars from the church's predecessor.

Another notable piece is the Resurrection relief, a former epitaph likely commissioned by Martin Scherer in 1515. This oak relief, now housed in the cemetery chapel, depicts the resurrection of Christ against a backdrop of Jerusalem, a city Scherer visited as a pilgrim. The donor is portrayed kneeling in the lower right corner.

The Pulpit and Other Treasures

The wooden pulpit, a late Renaissance work from the late 16th century, follows the Eiderstedt style. Its four-sided basket shares a common railing with the access, divided into panels by columns. These panels feature reliefs of biblical scenes, including depictions of Peter, Paul, the evangelists, and various other biblical narratives. The hexagonal soundboard, adorned with figurative reliefs of virtues and angels, completes this exquisite piece.

Among the church's other treasures is a nearly two-meter-high late Gothic crucifix from the late 15th century, mounted on a wooden stand between the nave and the annex. The church also houses two baptismal fonts: a mid-15th-century sandstone font with an octagonal, chalice-like form, and a 1640/41 oak font carved by Jürgen Heidtmann the Younger, featuring reliefs of Christ's baptism, the Savior, and the four evangelists.

Two brass chandeliers from the 17th century hang over the central aisle, richly decorated and crowned with a figure. The bowls beneath the candles are shaped like scallop shells, adding to their ornate design.

The North Gallery and Bells

The north gallery, added in the 17th century, is supported by wooden columns and slightly overhangs, with the overhang supported by consoles. Between these consoles, two rows of horizontal dove-tail beams are fitted, and the railing features gallery paintings. A total of 43 oil paintings on wood, by various artists, depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments, mostly following engravings from the Merian Bible.

The church's bells are equally historic. The older bell, cast in 1540 by H. Prilop, features an inscription and leaf friezes. The newer bell, cast in 1764 by J. D. Kriesche, also bears an inscription and is made of bronze, with a diameter of 58 cm.

The Churchyard and Memorial Stones

Outside the church, a collection of old gravestones can be found, with the oldest and most significant being the so-called atonement stone from 1567. This sandstone slab, measuring 2.10 m by 1.42 m, depicts a murder that occurred in 1567. One of two bearded men in hats, doublets, and knee-length breeches is shown stabbing the other in the neck with a dagger. The inscription reveals the names of the victim, Rode Martens Frens, and the perpetrator, Johann Offen Frens, both from prominent Dithmarschen families. Rode Marten, the victim's father, was one of the hostages Dithmarschen had to provide to the Danish king after their defeat in 1559, while Johann Offen, the murderer's father, was the parish bailiff in Hennstedt.

St. Jürgen Church, with its rich history, architectural beauty, and artistic treasures, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and heritage of Heide. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply seeking a moment of reflection, this remarkable church offers a captivating journey through time.