Nestled in the picturesque town of Oerlinghausen, the Alexanderkirche stands as a testament to centuries of history and architectural beauty. This enchanting church, with its soaring spire and captivating Gothic design, invites visitors to explore its storied past and admire its artistic treasures.
The roots of Alexanderkirche stretch back to around 850 AD, when Christianity began to spread across northern Europe. It is believed that the first church stood at this strategic pass over the Teutoburg Forest. The current structure incorporates remnants of a Romanesque basilica from the 1200s, with its ancient masonry still visible inside the church.
Rebuilt between 1511 and 1514 after a devastating fire in 1509, the church we see today showcases the Gothic style. Remarkably, it retains parts of the side aisle walls and the lower section of the west tower from its 13th-century predecessor. Until 1862, the churchyard served as a burial ground for about 30,000 souls, a silent witness to the passage of time. A gravestone from 1702 remains on the church’s north side, adding to its historical allure.
The Alexanderkirche's tower reaches an impressive height of 69 meters, crowned by a weather vane. Inside, the church spans 31 meters in length and 16 meters in width, with cross vaults soaring to 12.5 meters. Some stones in the vault bear inscriptions, with the keystone in the crossing reading “ihs (Jesus) – maria-sanctus-johannes-MvCXIV (1514).”
The vibrant stained glass windows in the choir, designed by Bielefeld artist Karl Löwe around 1930, tell stories of faith through vivid imagery. Although heavily damaged in 1945 during the fierce battles of World War II, they were restored in the 1980s by Otto Peters of Paderborn. The left window symbolizes the Eucharist with grapes, a chalice, and sheaves of wheat, while the right window depicts faith, love, and hope with a cross, heart, and anchor. In the center, the Ascension of Christ is portrayed, accompanied by the inscription: LUK.24,50-52.
A highlight of the church’s interior is the organ prospect from 1688, crafted in the Dutch peasant baroque style. A gift from Countess Amalie, it features the coats of arms of the Lippe and Dohna counts. Although the organ has undergone multiple restorations, including a major one in 1973, it remains a focal point of the church's musical heritage, with 21 registers on two manuals and a pedal.
The church’s bells have a storied history. The Alexanderglocke, cast in 1547, survived the melting down of two other bells during World War I. Its inscription in Low German reads: “Sanderus hete ick, de levendige rope ick, de doden beschrie ick, deme donder sture ick, Johan Ahues de goet mick.” After narrowly escaping destruction in World War II, it was rediscovered and returned to the church in 1945. Today, the bell ensemble includes the Alexanderglocke and three steel bells from 1923, marking the rhythm of daily life and special occasions in Oerlinghausen.
Alexanderkirche is not just a historical monument; it is a living place of worship and reflection. The church’s serene atmosphere invites visitors to pause and contemplate, whether during a service or a quiet moment alone. The daily ringing of the Alexanderglocke calls the faithful to prayer, echoing the ancient Angelus tradition.
Visiting the Alexanderkirche is a journey through time, a chance to connect with the past while appreciating the enduring beauty and spiritual significance of this remarkable church. Its walls tell stories of resilience and faith, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Oerlinghausen and beyond.
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