Theresienkapelle

Tucked away in the industrial heart of Singen, Baden-Württemberg, the Theresienkapelle stands as a poignant reminder of a turbulent past and a testament to human resilience and faith. This modest yet historically rich chapel was constructed in the aftermath of World War II by German prisoners of war under French occupation. Its existence and preservation are a tribute to the enduring spirit of the community and the dedication of individuals who fought to keep its story alive.

The Historical Context of Theresienkapelle

The Theresienkapelle’s story is deeply intertwined with the broader historical events of the 20th century. During World War II, the Theresienwiese area in Singen was used to house forced laborers from Poland and the Soviet Union, known as Ostarbeiter. These laborers were brought to Germany to fill the labor shortages caused by the war. They lived in harsh conditions, often facing exploitation and deprivation. The Theresienwiese was home to approximately 1,300 of these workers, who were employed by local industries such as the Aluminium-Werk Singen, Georg Fischer AG, and Maggi.

From Forced Labor to War Prisoners

As the war drew to a close, the Theresienwiese saw a shift in its occupants. In March 1945, the French First Army crossed into Germany and reached Singen by late April. The town was taken without resistance, and many of its residents had fled to nearby Switzerland. With the end of the war and the subsequent division of Germany into occupation zones, Singen fell under French control. The barracks that once housed forced laborers were repurposed to detain German prisoners of war. It was within this context that the Theresienkapelle was conceived.

The Construction of Theresienkapelle

In 1946, the French commander of the Singen war prison camp, Jean Le Pan de Ligny, sought to provide the prisoners with meaningful work. He organized the construction of a chapel on the foundation of an old air raid shelter. The project was led by Wilhelm Gottschalk, a former architect, and involved a team of 14 individuals, including skilled craftsmen and artists. Despite the challenging circumstances, they managed to create a place of worship and reflection.

The chapel’s construction was a collaborative effort. Gipsermeister Fritz Horst contributed his expertise in plastering and masonry, while graphic artist Heinz Ort created the chapel’s wall and glass paintings, depicting St. John and St. Therese. Helmut Weber, a skilled blacksmith, crafted the lighting fixtures, including two large ceiling chandeliers, which are now stored in the chapel’s attic due to renovations.

A Chapel in Decline and Revival

In 1947, the Theresienkapelle was consecrated, but its use dwindled after the closure of the camp in September 1948. The chapel fell into disrepair, and it seemed destined to be forgotten. However, the local community, led by individuals like Wilhelm Waibel, rallied to preserve this historical site. Waibel, who worked at Georg Fischer AG, discovered documents detailing the use of forced labor during the war. This spurred him to spend 40 years researching and documenting the history of forced laborers in Singen.

Waibel’s efforts extended beyond research. He sought out former forced laborers and established a sister city relationship between Singen and Kobeljaky in Ukraine in 1993. His dedication to preserving the Theresienkapelle was instrumental in its recognition as a cultural monument in the 1980s. In 2016, Waibel was honored with honorary citizenship of Singen for his contributions.

The Theresienkapelle Today

Today, the Theresienkapelle serves as a memorial to three distinct historical periods: the Nazi era and the use of forced labor in Singen’s industries, the immediate post-war years, and the ongoing process of remembering and coming to terms with this dark chapter in history. Since 2015, the chapel has been used by the Italian Catholic Mission of Singen-Villingen for their religious services, adding a new layer to its historical narrative.

The chapel’s serene surroundings and modest architecture belie the profound history it represents. Visitors to the Theresienkapelle can reflect on the stories of those who lived and labored in its shadow, and the resilience of a community that fought to preserve their memory. It stands not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of reconciliation and remembrance, inviting all who visit to pause and consider the lessons of the past.

In conclusion, the Theresienkapelle is more than just a chapel; it is a beacon of historical memory and a testament to the enduring human spirit. Its walls echo with the stories of hardship, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of peace and remembrance. A visit to this humble chapel offers a profound connection to the past and a reminder of the importance of preserving history for future generations.