St. Jacobi

St. Jacobi, locally known as St. Jakobi, stands as a timeless beacon in the heart of Herford’s Radewig district, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. This Evangelical-Lutheran parish church, also referred to as the Radewiger Kirche, is not only a place of worship but a historical gem that has witnessed centuries of transformation and resilience.

The Historical Tapestry of St. Jacobi

St. Jacobi's journey began in the 14th century, with its roots likely tracing back to an earlier structure. This Gothic hall church, designed in the Westphalian square style, initially served as a station church for pilgrims en route to Santiago de Compostela, as suggested by its dedication to St. James.

The church faced closure in 1530 with the advent of the Reformation in Herford, a decision made by the town council. However, it was reopened in 1590 as an Evangelical parish church, thanks to the efforts of Anton Brutlacht, the mayor of Radewig. Brutlacht not only reopened the church but also oversaw a comprehensive renovation, commissioning new furnishings and donating the pulpit. The first Reformation service, held on the first Sunday of Advent in 1590, is commemorated to this day with the Radewiger Kohlfest.

St. Jacobi’s resilience was tested yet again during the great fire of Herford in 1638, which destroyed the roof and tower helm. These were subsequently rebuilt. The tower helm faced another calamity in 1778 when it was struck by lightning and burned down, leading to the construction of the current onion dome, or Welsche Haube, in 1786.

During World War II, the church sustained damage from an aerial bomb in 1940, impacting the south portal and a southern buttress. These damages were repaired before the war’s end. In recognition of its historical and architectural significance, St. Jacobi was designated a protected monument in 1981.

The Bells of St. Jacobi

St. Jacobi’s bell tower houses a three-part iron cast bell ensemble, created by the Lauchhammer bell foundry in 1921, with the tones d1–f1–as1. Additionally, the lantern features a bronze hour bell from 1736 (d2) and a steel quarter-hour bell from 1874, produced by the Bochum Association (e2).

The Interior Splendor

The interior of St. Jacobi is a testament to the late Renaissance period, with its impressive decorations and furnishings from the 16th and 17th centuries. The church’s aesthetic charm is matched by its historical depth, offering visitors a glimpse into the artistic and cultural heritage of the era.

The Majestic Organ

The organ at St. Jacobi, crafted by Gustav Steinmann of Vlotho in 1973, replaced the historic instrument that had been relocated and expanded over the years. The original organ, dating back to 1863, was moved to the west gallery by the Meyer brothers of Herford and underwent modifications by Klassmeier in 1909 and Furtwängler & Hammer in 1931. Despite sustaining war damage, the organ remained playable until it was dismantled in 1968. The current organ, while a modern construction, incorporates elements of the old casing and ornamentation from Friedrich Meyer’s 1863 design and features 25 registers across two manuals and a pedal.

A Pilgrim’s Haven

Until the 16th century, St. Jacobi served as a pilgrimage church for those journeying to Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims were drawn to the miraculous Marienkirche and the relics of St. Pusinna housed in the Münsterkirche. The Radewig area, a rest and marketplace for long-distance traders, saw the establishment of a chapel that eventually evolved into the present-day St. Jacobi. A papal bull from Julius II in 1510 reveals that St. Jacobi was not initially a parish church but a dedicated pilgrimage church honoring St. James.

The Radewiger Kohlfest

In 1530, the church was closed due to the overwhelming influx of pilgrims. However, it continued to see pilgrims up to the 17th century. When the church was reopened as an Evangelical church on the Thursday after the first Sunday of Advent in 1590, there were no flowers available to decorate the church. Instead, kale was used, giving rise to the Radewiger Kohlfest, a tradition that endures to this day.

Visiting St. Jacobi

St. Jacobi is often open to visitors outside of service times, typically from Tuesday to Saturday, between 11 AM and 4 PM. This schedule allows ample opportunity for both locals and tourists to explore this historical and spiritual sanctuary.

In conclusion, St. Jacobi is not merely a church but a vibrant tapestry of history, culture, and faith. Its walls echo the stories of pilgrims, the resilience of a community, and the timeless beauty of Gothic and Renaissance art. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a spiritual pilgrim, or simply a curious traveler, St. Jacobi in Herford is a must-visit destination that promises to enrich your journey with its profound legacy and serene ambiance.