St. Cäcilia

St. Cäcilia in Mosbach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a remarkable blend of historical depth and architectural finesse. This Roman Catholic parish church, constructed between 1934 and 1935, stands proudly in the picturesque town of Mosbach, offering a serene yet captivating experience for visitors. Designed by the renowned architect Hans Herkommer, the church has been a protected monument since 1983, reflecting its significant cultural and historical value.

The History of St. Cäcilia

The roots of St. Cäcilia trace back to the medieval period, where an earlier church dedicated to St. Cecilia existed. This original structure was partially demolished in 1557 during the Reformation and transformed into the Mosbach Town Hall. The remaining Catholic community utilized the Stiftskirche St. Juliana, which, due to the religious changes in the region, became a simultaneous church in 1698. By the early 20th century, the Catholic congregation had grown to around 1,900 members, necessitating a new church building.

In 1913, a building fund was established, but the collected funds were lost during the inflation years. However, the determination of the community led to the formation of a new church building association in 1926. Archbishop Thomas Nörber had already identified the Schlossgarten at the edge of the old town as the preferred site for the new church in 1914. The land was acquired in 1924, and by 1929, Hans Herkommer was commissioned to design the church and its adjoining rectory.

Construction began with the groundbreaking on May 27, 1934, followed by the cornerstone laying eight weeks later. The church was completed rapidly, with the topping-out ceremony celebrated on November 22, 1934, and the consecration by Auxiliary Bishop Wilhelm Burger on September 29, 1935.

Architectural Marvel

The church's design is a testament to Herkommer's architectural prowess, featuring a functional division into an entrance area, nave, and tower. The entrance facade, adorned with a three-part arcade, stands perpendicular to the main structure, creating a welcoming yet imposing presence. The portal wall, decorated by Mannheim artist Willy Oeser, adds a touch of artistic elegance to the robust architecture.

The roof structure, initially a wooden binder construction, had to be reinforced with steel beams in 1954 due to structural concerns. The massive tower, with its gently sloping gable roof, mirrors the roof of the nave, creating a harmonious visual balance. A sacristy with a shed roof is attached to the nave, and beneath the choir and sacristy lies a crypt, adding to the church's architectural complexity.

The Interior and Artistic Treasures

Inside St. Cäcilia, visitors are greeted by a stunning array of religious art and craftsmanship. The altar area in the eastern part of the nave is dominated by a 3.40-meter-tall statue of Christ the King, flanked by statues of Mary and John, all created by Karlsruhe sculptor Emil Sutor. The altars, communion rail, and pulpit are crafted from dark marble, exuding a sense of solemnity and reverence.

The pulpit, accessible via a separate staircase from the choir, features figures of the Evangelists by Offenburg sculptor Hermann Kramer. The left side of the choir houses the St. Joseph altar, designed by H. Hirt from Villingen.

The western end of the church, adjacent to the entrance area, boasts a large gallery for the organ and choir. Flanking the gallery are side chapels adorned with sculptures by Karlsruhe sculptor Friedrich Hugel and Munich sculptor Adolf Giesin, alongside frescoes by Karlsruhe painter Schilling, depicting the Baptism of Jesus and the Crucifixion. Mosaic works by Berthold Müller-Oerlinghausen, portraying St. Peter and St. Paul, embellish the entrance niches. The nave walls feature a semi-plastic 14-part Passion sequence by Pforzheim artist Edward Mürrle.

The Crypt and Its Significance

The crypt beneath the church is a hidden gem, featuring an altar modeled after the tomb of St. Cecilia in Trastevere, crafted by Offenburg sculptor Kramer. Adolf Giesin's wall reliefs complement the altar, and additional depictions of saints Albert, Heinrich, Lioba, and Elisabeth by Schilling adorn the sidewall niches.

The Organ and Bells

The church's organ, built between 1970 and 1971 by the Michael Weise organ workshop in Plattling, is a musical marvel with three manuals, 28 registers, and a pedal with eight registers. A unique feature is the Rückpositiv with eight registers.

St. Cäcilia's bells have a poignant history. Originally, seven bronze bells were cast in 1935, but six were taken to Hamburg in 1942 for wartime purposes. Post-war, three bells from the former Grüssau Abbey found a new home in Mosbach, and three more were cast in 1966 to complete the peal. A small Christ bell, cast in 1778, is used exclusively for funeral prayers.

St. Cäcilia in Mosbach is not just a church; it is a testament to resilience, faith, and artistic excellence. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and exquisite interior make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the cultural and spiritual heritage of Baden-Württemberg.