Peter and Paul Church

In the heart of Weil am Rhein, a charming town in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, stands the Peter and Paul Church, known locally as St. Peter und Paul. This modern architectural marvel is a beacon of faith and community, nestled in the residential area of Leopoldshöhe. The church, with its unique design and rich history, offers a captivating experience for both locals and visitors alike.

The Historical Journey of Peter and Paul Church

The story of the Peter and Paul Church begins in the early 20th century. Initially, the Catholic community of Weil am Rhein, which consisted of around 400 members, was part of the parish of Lörrach-Stetten. Many of these parishioners traveled to Basel and Hüningen for their religious services. Recognizing the need for a local place of worship, the then-Freiburg auxiliary bishop, Justus Knecht, advocated for the construction of a church in Weil am Rhein. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on July 23, 1904, followed by the laying of the cornerstone on September 4 of the same year. By October 22, 1905, the neo-Romanesque church was consecrated to Saints Peter and Paul.

The original church structure featured a rectangular nave with five round-arched windows on each side. A square roof turret with grouped sound arcades and a pyramidal roof crowned the northern end of the nave. The interior boasted a flat wooden ceiling in the nave and a vaulted chancel. The church's three bronze bells, cast in 1908, were a significant feature, although only one survived the First World War. The church was expanded in the late 1920s to accommodate a growing congregation, extending the nave and adding side aisles.

The Modern Transformation

Post-World War II, the population of Weil am Rhein grew significantly, necessitating a new church building. The planning for a new structure began in earnest in 1978, although it faced numerous delays due to financial and logistical challenges. A pivotal moment came in September 1982 when it was determined that renovating the old church would be prohibitively expensive. Thus, the decision to construct a new church was solidified. The old church building was repurposed as the town's library in 1994.

The construction of the new Peter and Paul Church began on October 23, 1987, with the first shovel of soil being turned. By April 28, 1988, the prefabricated church tower was installed, and the topping-out ceremony was celebrated. The church was officially consecrated by Archbishop Oskar Saier in June 1989.

Architectural Highlights

The new Peter and Paul Church is a striking example of modern ecclesiastical architecture. The church's design features an equilateral octagonal floor plan, covered by a tent-like blue aluminum roof. At the apex of the roof sits a roof turret housing the church bells, which rises approximately 30 meters above the church floor. The exterior is intentionally minimalist, with white plastered walls and light-stained wooden cladding, accented by the warm, slightly reddish blue of the aluminum roof.

Inside, the church's blue-toned interior is arranged concentrically around the altar, located in the northwestern segment of the octagon. The space is designed to be both intimate and expansive, with a ceiling height reaching up to 15 meters at the center. The church can accommodate around 335 people on pews, with additional seating available to increase capacity to about 500. The choir, with 52 seats, is situated in a niche to the northeast.

Artistic and Liturgical Elements

Much of the church's interior design is the work of artist Emil Wachter. One of the most prominent features is the mural behind the altar, completed in 1994. This artwork depicts a large tree of life, symbolizing various Christian allegories. The tree emerges from the open grave of Jesus, representing the resurrection and new creation. The mural incorporates faces of people from different backgrounds, reflecting the universal nature of the church's message.

Flanking the altar are two large, colorful triptych stained-glass windows: one dedicated to Saint Peter and the other to Saint Paul. An additional band of stained glass between the lower and middle roofs allows more light to filter into the church, enhancing its serene atmosphere.

The Metzler Organ

Opposite the altar stands the church's organ, built by the Swiss organ maker Metzler and inaugurated on March 11, 1990. The organ's design is inspired by the baroque Silbermann organs, featuring mechanical action and comprising three manuals, a pedal, and 36 registers made of wood and tin pipes. The organ's sound enriches the liturgical experience, adding a majestic auditory element to the church's services.

The Peter and Paul Church in Weil am Rhein is not just a place of worship; it is a testament to the community's resilience and dedication. Its modern design, combined with deep historical roots, makes it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in architecture, art, and history. Whether you're attending a service, exploring its artistic features, or simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance, the Peter and Paul Church offers a unique and enriching experience.