Maria Königin (Lingen)

Maria Königin, located in Lingen, Lower Saxony, Germany, is a remarkable Roman Catholic church that serves as the parish church for the community bearing the same name. Together with the Church of St. Mary in Lingen-Biene, it forms part of the parish community of Lingen-North. This church stands as a testament to post-war reconstruction and the evolving architectural trends of the mid-20th century.

The History of Maria Königin

The origins of Maria Königin trace back to the post-World War II era when two new settlements, Telgenkamp and Heukampstannen, emerged in Lingen. With the increasing population, the need for a new church became evident, especially since the existing St. Bonifatius Church in the old town was less than 900 meters away. On April 20, 1953, the church council of St. Bonifatius decided to construct a new church, and the groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 15, 1954.

The architects Theodor Burlage, Bernhard Niebuer, and Hermann Klaas designed Maria Königin, drawing inspiration from Romanesque hall churches. The church was consecrated by Auxiliary Bishop Johannes von Rudloff on December 7, 1954, and the first Holy Mass was celebrated by Bishop Wilhelm Berning the following day. On October 1, 1955, Maria Königin became an independent parish, separated from the Bonifatius parish, with newly defined parish boundaries.

Architectural Evolution

Maria Königin has undergone several renovations and modifications over the years, reflecting the changing liturgical practices and aesthetic preferences. In June 1966, following the Second Vatican Council, significant alterations were made. The high altar was moved to the center of the chancel to serve as a people's altar, the pulpit was removed, and the communion rails were repurposed to create the ambo and the tabernacle pedestal. The chancel's back wall, originally cream-colored, was painted dark green.

In the summer of 1986, the church underwent another round of renovations, which included replacing the old floor, installing a new heating system, and refreshing the paint. The Marian Chapel was renovated and redesigned in 1995. In October 2003, the church received a new microphone system, and the chancel was reconfigured to place the former high altar back against the rear wall, creating a nearly level wooden platform in front of the chancel steps. This required removing the first few rows of pews, which, along with the baptismal font, were relocated to the chancel.

The most recent major renovation took place from May to November 2013. The chancel was entirely cleared, a new altar area was created, and the back wall was restored to its original color. The lighting was upgraded to a computer-controlled LED system, the organ loft was expanded, and a glass-enclosed entrance area was added underneath it. The baptismal font was moved to the space between the entrance and the chancel, and a new confessional room was created in the former family chapel. Additionally, new pews, hymn boards, and a redesigned literature stand were installed.

The Patronage

Maria Königin is dedicated to Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth (Latin: Regina Coeli Et Terrae), with the patronal feast celebrated on August 22.

Notable Features

Bronze Doors

The original wooden entrance doors of the church were replaced with bronze doors in 1982 due to weather damage. Designed by Joseph Krautwald, these doors were ceremoniously consecrated on May 22, 1983. The three double doors depict the work of redemption by the Triune God: I am who I am from the Old Testament, I am the way from the New Testament, and I make all things new from the Book of Revelation.

The Chancel

The chancel is dominated by a large mosaic on the back wall, measuring approximately 3.6 by 9 meters. Created by Ruth Landmann in 1954, the ceramic mosaic, depicting scenes from the Book of Revelation, was restored in 2013. The current chancel design, featuring a new altar, ambo, and Paschal candle holder made of sandstone by artist Tobias Eder, was completed during the 2013 renovation. The altar contains relics of Saints Auctus from Amphipolis (Macedonia) and Bishop Eumenius from Gortyna (Crete).

The Bells

The 36-meter-high bell tower of Maria Königin is connected to the church building by an annex that once served as a side chapel and now houses the confessional room. On March 3, 1958, Pastor Jaeger consecrated the church's four steel bells, manufactured by J.F. Weule. The bells first rang out on Easter night, March 23, 1958. The bell frame and chimes were renovated and readjusted from July to September 1998, and the eight sound windows received new wooden slats. The bells, with strike tones d', e', g', and a', form an extended Gloria motif, also known as the Christ is Risen motif.

The Way of the Cross

Inside the church, a stone-cast Way of the Cross, created by Lingen sculptor Wilhelm Böing, was consecrated on April 4, 1965.

The Marian Chapel

The Marian Chapel, primarily used for weekday services or smaller gatherings, is located northwest of the church's entrance. It was redesigned in 1994/95 by architect Ulrich Recker. The chapel features semi-circularly arranged wooden benches around a central altar, with wooden reliefs by the Winkelmann brothers depicting scenes from Mary's life. The tabernacle, now the only one in the church, is also located here, making the Marian Chapel the sacrament chapel.

The Organ

Since 1963, a Klais organ (Opus 1259) has been in service at Maria Königin. The planning for the organ began around 1960, and after several design iterations, the final contract was signed in the spring of 1963. The organ, featuring a Principal 16' and other notable registers, was consecrated on December 29, 1963. The organ has undergone several renovations and modifications, including the replacement of the original cable-pull action with a mechanical tracker action in 1988.

Maria Königin is not just a place of worship; it is a living monument that reflects the resilience and faith of the Lingen community. Its rich history, architectural beauty, and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit for anyone exploring this charming German town.