St. Dionysius (Rheine)

St. Dionysius, locally known as Dionysiuskirche, stands as a testament to the rich historical and architectural heritage of Rheine, a charming town in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. This late Gothic hall church, constructed between 1400 and 1520, is the most venerable house of worship in the city, and its towering presence over the marketplace is a sight to behold.

The Historical Roots of St. Dionysius

The history of St. Dionysius is steeped in antiquity, with roots tracing back to a donation document dated June 7, 838, by Louis the Pious. This document mentions the transfer of the estate of Reni, along with its associated church, to the Imperial Abbey of Herford. Although no physical remnants of the earliest church buildings have been discovered, this historical reference suggests a long-standing ecclesiastical presence on the site.

Located on the highest point of Rheine's old town, a limestone spur rising 39.97 meters above sea level, the church has always been a focal point of the community. The original settlement, known as Villa Reni, evolved around an earlier church structure, eventually growing into the modern town of Rheine.

Dedication and Patronage

The church is dedicated to St. Dionysius, who served as a missionary in Gaul around 250 AD, became the first Bishop of Paris, and was martyred. He later became a national saint of the Franks alongside St. Martin of Tours. Churches on Frankish royal estates, such as Villa Reni, often bore his patronage, indicating early church foundations. Visitors are greeted by a sculptural representation of St. Dionysius and his companions, Rusticus and Eleutherius, on the tympanum of the south portal, now the main entrance from the marketplace. These figures also inspired the city coat of arms of Rheine, featuring three golden stars on a red band.

The Construction Journey

The construction of the late Gothic hall church began around 1400 and spanned approximately 120 years, concluding with the completion of the tower in 1520. The bell cast in the same year, named after the church's patron, bears an inscription invoking St. Dionysius's protection from lightning.

The prolonged construction period can be attributed to the necessity of maintaining a functional place of worship for the community throughout the building process. Additionally, the financial burden of such an ambitious project was significant for the small parish of around 2000 souls. Consequently, the construction was divided into several phases, with work often halting due to depleted funds. Fundraising efforts, including collections authorized by the Bishop of Münster, were crucial in resuming construction.

Phases of Construction

The first phase saw the completion of the northern aisle, consecrated in 1424. This was followed by the construction of the choir, with the high altar consecrated on June 7, 1450, marking the completion of the nave, choir, and apse. The southern aisle was built between 1464 and 1484, and the tower construction began in 1494, culminating in the bell consecration in 1520.

Remarkably, St. Dionysius remained largely unscathed during the great city fire of 1647 and the World Wars, preserving its historical integrity. The church has thus stood for nearly half a millennium, dominating the skyline of Rheine's old town. The 500th anniversary of its completion was celebrated in 2020.

The Kirchburg and Wort-Gottes-Kapelle

In the early 14th century, the churchyard was enclosed by a wall as part of Rheine's fortifications, forming the Kirchburg. A small section of this wall still exists today, providing a glimpse into the medieval defenses of the town.

In 2016, the old sacristy, previously closed to visitors, was reopened and designated as the Wort-Gottes-Kapelle. This chapel houses a precious modern evangelistary and the holy oils used in various sacraments. It also contains the original figures of St. Dionysius and his companions, now replaced by resin copies at the south portal for conservation purposes.

The chapel features stained glass windows by Cologne glass artist Josef Scheuer, depicting the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love, along with their associated symbols and angelic figures. The nearly six-meter-high ceiling with star vaulting showcases the patron saints of various groups within the parish, including mothers, fathers, virgins, youths, men, and women. One of the images depicts the Virgin Mary as the Consolatrix Afflictorum, a reflection of the former parish priest's connection to the pilgrimage site of Kevelaer.

Artistic Treasures

St. Dionysius is home to a remarkable collection of artworks, many created by the local sculptor Bernhard Meyering. These pieces span from the church's construction period to more recent times, showcasing the rich tradition of Westphalian sculpture.

In conclusion, St. Dionysius is not just a place of worship but a living monument to the history and culture of Rheine. Its architectural splendor, historical significance, and artistic treasures make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this picturesque town in Nordrhein-Westfalen.