Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, Stade

In the heart of the Hanseatic city of Stade, Niedersachsen, stands the magnificent Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, locally known as St. Cosmae et Damiani. This architectural marvel is one of the two prominent Evangelical-Lutheran churches in the city center, alongside St. Wilhadi. Together with St. Nicolai in Stade-Bützfleth, it forms part of the Evangelical-Lutheran parish office of Stade within the Stade church district, which itself belongs to the Stade diocese within the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Hanover.

The Architectural Evolution

The origins of the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian trace back to the 1130s, when a chapel under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Bremen was mentioned. Although the original structure is no longer visible, the dedication to Saints Cosmas and Damian, who were known for their healing powers and whose relics were held by the Bremen Cathedral, hints at its ancient roots.

The present-day church, constructed from brick and featuring a cross-shaped floor plan, is the result of numerous renovations and reconstructions spanning from the 13th to the 17th centuries. The oldest parts of the church are found in the nave, transepts, and the vaulted crossing. In the 15th century, a three-nave choir replaced the original eastern sections. By around 1550, the crossing tower, with its distinctive onion-shaped dome, was already a notable feature in the cityscape, as depicted in Martin Weigel's city view.

A devastating fire in 1659 destroyed the tower's helmet, roof structures, and the entire interior. The restoration efforts took until 1684, culminating in the addition of the octagonal Baroque dome that remains a visible landmark of the city to this day. The tower, excluding the weather vane, stands at an impressive height of 62.45 meters.

Interior Splendor

Step inside the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, and you will be greeted by the awe-inspiring Baroque high altar crafted by Christian Precht from Hamburg between 1674 and 1677. The altar features a relief of the Last Supper in the predella, a central scene depicting a dramatic crucifixion group flanked by the four Evangelists, and a relief of the Entombment above. The entire structure is crowned by a figure of the resurrected Christ. The white finish of the wooden sculptures is designed to mimic marble or alabaster.

Another highlight is the winged altar, created around 1500. Originally housed in the now-demolished Gertrudenkapelle outside the ship's gate, the altar's central figure is Saint Gertrude, holding a model of the chapel, surrounded by smaller statues of saints. The painted wings, though heavily damaged, depict scenes from the legend of Saint Gertrude, including a detailed rendering of a cog ship.

The marble baptismal font, dating back to 1665, is supported by alabaster figures of the Evangelists. The wrought-iron enclosure of the font, also from the same period, has been relocated within the church. The pews from around 1730 in the northern transept were reserved for the city magistrate, adding a touch of historical significance to the seating arrangements.

The pulpit, dating to 1663, is adorned with figures and rich cartouche-style ornamentation, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of the era. The colorful stained-glass windows behind the high altar, installed in 1910, add a vibrant touch to the church's interior.

The Majestic Organ

The grand organ of the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, constructed between 1668 and 1673, is a masterpiece by Berendt Hus and his nephew Arp Schnitger. In 1688, Schnitger replaced four of his master's registers with new ones. Subsequent modifications were made by Otto Diedrich Richborn in 1727/28, and further alterations affecting the original structure took place from 1781 onwards. Between 1972 and 1975, the organ underwent extensive restoration with the involvement of the expert committee of the Hanoverian regional church, restoring it to its former glory.

The Resonant Bells

The church's bell ensemble comprises ten bronze bells. The main set, created by Hermann Benningk from Hamburg in 1663, replaced an earlier set destroyed in the 1659 city fire. While the bells survived World War I intact, the second-largest bell had to be melted down for war purposes during World War II. It was replaced in 1959 by a new casting from the Rincker bell and art foundry in Sinn, Hesse, funded by Hamburg shipowner and merchant Ernst Jung and his wife Claere. The donors also commissioned a five-part carillon, with the small, high-pitched bells named after musical instruments. The main bell ensemble forms part of a B major scale, while the carillon features the Resurrexi motif, the Introitus for Easter.

Two additional bells, the quarter-hour and hour strike bells, are housed in the tower lantern. The smaller quarter-hour bell, cast by Hermann Benningk in 1669, and the larger hour bell, created by Otto Struve in 1683, add to the church's rich auditory heritage.

In conclusion, the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian is not just a place of worship; it is a testament to the resilience and artistic prowess of the community of Stade. Its walls, adorned with centuries of history, art, and craftsmanship, invite visitors to step back in time and experience the spiritual and cultural heritage of this remarkable city. A visit to this church is a journey through history, offering a glimpse into the past and a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of Stade.