Kirche St. Michael

Kirche St. Michael, or St. Michael as it's known locally, is a magnificent neo-Romanesque Roman Catholic church situated at the foot of Schlossberg in Homburg, Saarland, Germany. This architectural gem is a prominent feature of the Homburg skyline and has become a cherished landmark of the city. The church is listed as an individual monument in the ensemble of Marktplatz/Klosterstraße, reflecting its historical and cultural significance.

The History of Kirche St. Michael

The origins of Kirche St. Michael can be traced back to the 13th century. The original structure, known as the Heiligkreuzkapelle im Tal (Holy Cross Chapel in the Valley), was first mentioned in the Wörschweiler Monastery records in 1335. This chapel was the first documented church in Homburg. By 1836, the old church had seen its last service, and plans for a new building were set in motion.

Between 1836 and 1841, under the guidance of the civil construction inspector August von Voit from Munich, the new church was constructed on the same site. The new building was consecrated on September 29, 1841, by the then Bishop of Speyer, Johannes von Geissel. During the consecration ceremony, Pastor Johannes Jackel expressed his gratitude to Land Commissioner Johann Christian Chelius, who had shown exceptional dedication and zeal in overseeing the construction project from start to finish.

Over the years, Kirche St. Michael has undergone several restorations, notably in 1930-31, 1970-72, 1991, and 1996-97, ensuring that this historic structure remains preserved for future generations.

Architectural Marvel

Kirche St. Michael is a stunning example of neo-Romanesque architecture. The church is built from red sandstone blocks, giving it a distinctive and warm appearance. The structure is a hall church, characterized by its spacious and open interior. The choir tower, which takes the form of an octagon, rises majestically above the choir, culminating in an apse that beautifully closes off the church's interior.

Interior and Artistry

One of the most remarkable features inside Kirche St. Michael is the Baldachin Altar. This exquisite altar was donated in 1898 by Prince Leopold of Bavaria, who generously contributed 20,000 marks for its creation. The altar was designed by the sculptor Georg Busch from Munich and executed in the German-Romanesque style by the Ducal Bavarian Court Art Institute Jacob Leser from Straubing. The altar's canopy, supported by four columns, gives it its name, resembling a tent draped over the altar. Inscribed in Latin on the front arch of the canopy is ECCE TABERNACVLVM DEI CVM HOMINIBVS (Behold the tabernacle of God among men).

The Baldachin Altar is adorned with three angels, each positioned in the center of the visible sides. On the front side, Pope Clement, holding a key and a book, and the donor Prince Leopold, with a sword and a scroll, kneel in reverence. The centerpiece of the canopy is a small dome supported by sixteen columns, topped with a cross. Above the altar table are two golden winged doors featuring six reliefs depicting various scenes from the life of Jesus, with a larger golden relief of the Crucifixion below them. Above the doors stands a figure of Jesus holding the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, symbolizing the beginning and the end, with the Latin inscription Nahe ist der Herr (The Lord is near) above. At the highest point of the altar is a stone sphere with a lamb holding a golden flag and halo, symbolizing Christ.

The choir is decorated with historical frescoes by Gebhard Fugel from Munich, created between 1902 and 1904, although many were overpainted during renovations in the 1970s. On either side of the choir are side altars: the Marian altar on the left, crafted by sculptor J. Stolz from Kaiserslautern in 1911, and the Joseph altar on the right, designed by architect Anton Falkowski from Mainz in 1931. The Stations of the Cross along the nave walls, painted by Joseph Ripp from Homburg in 1911, are a copy of the Stations of the Cross in St. Anna's Church in Munich, created by painter Martin von Feuerstein in 1898. These were restored in 1972 by artist Heinrich Lau.

Among the church's greatest treasures are two Baroque monstrances, a chalice with a relief imprint of Maria Amalia, the wife of Charles II August of Palatinate-Zweibrücken, and her wedding dress, which was repurposed into a ceremonial mantle.

The Organs

Kirche St. Michael boasts two organs: a main organ and a choir organ. The first main organ was built in 1840 by the organ builder Stumm from Rhaunensulzbach. It was rebuilt in 1922 by Franz Kämmerer from Speyer and eventually dismantled and scrapped in 1967. In 1968, a new main organ was constructed by Hugo Mayer Orgelbau from Heusweiler, featuring 36 registers distributed across three manuals and a pedal. The organ's oak casing includes a freestanding console facing the altar.

In 1999, a second organ was added to the church, built by Hugo Mayer Orgelbau in the mid-1970s. This portable organ, usually positioned at the front right of the nave, has four registers and mechanical slide chests.

The Bells

The bell ensemble of Kirche St. Michael consists of five melodious bronze bells, cast in 1953 by the Otto Bell Foundry in Saarlouis-Fraulautern. These bells were ceremoniously inaugurated and hung in a steel bell frame with steel yokes. In the late 1990s, the bell chamber underwent restoration, replacing the old bell frame with a new one made of oak, along with new clappers and ringing machines. The bells ring to mark various occasions, such as the Angelus prayer three times daily, the start of Sunday at 5:00 PM, and special events like weddings, the conclusion of the Nikolausmarkt, and the New Year's Eve celebrations.

In conclusion, Kirche St. Michael is more than just a place of worship; it is a testament to Homburg's rich history and architectural splendor. Its neo-Romanesque design, exquisite interior, and historical significance make it a must-visit for anyone exploring this charming German city.