Sankt Suitbertus

In the heart of Wuppertal's Elberfeld district, nestled within the vibrant Südstadt, stands the imposing and historically rich St. Suitbertus Church. This architectural gem not only serves as a place of worship but also as a testament to the area's industrial past and the resilience of its community.

The Historical Significance of St. Suitbertus

The origins of St. Suitbertus date back to the late 19th century, a period marked by significant industrial expansion in Elberfeld. The influx of Catholic workers, primarily from Westphalia, necessitated the construction of new churches to accommodate the growing population. The existing churches, Marienkirche and Herz-Jesu-Kirche, were insufficient for the burgeoning Catholic community in the southern part of Elberfeld. Thus, in 1884, the St. Suitbertus Church Building Association was formed to address this need.

The association initially struggled to find a suitable and affordable location for the new church. After an unsuccessful attempt to acquire a prominent garden plot behind the Johannisberg inn, they eventually secured several parcels of land along Kölner Straße. Construction of the church began in 1896, based on the designs of Barmer master builder Gerhard August Fischer, who was also responsible for several other churches in Wuppertal and the reconstruction of Schloss Burg. However, there are indications that the design may have also been influenced by the Cologne architect Theodor Roß.

St. Suitbertus was consecrated on May 11, 1899, dedicated to Saint Suitbert, the apostle of the Bergisches Land. The church quickly became known as the Südstadt Cathedral, reflecting its importance to the local community.

The Architectural Marvel of St. Suitbertus

St. Suitbertus is a striking example of historicist architecture, drawing inspiration from the late Romanesque style. The church is geosted, meaning it is oriented towards the east, a traditional alignment for Christian churches. The westwork features a double-tower façade reminiscent of the Limburg Cathedral, while the interior design is influenced by the Bonn Minster.

The church is a three-nave, six-bay basilica with a single-nave transept and a short choir ending in a high, semicircular apse. The apse is surrounded by a colonnade, above which runs a small gallery with pointed arch arcades. The building's exterior is constructed from local materials: basalt lava for the base, tuff stone for the wall surfaces, and red sandstone for external trim and decorative details. Originally, the interior was plastered and painted, with columns and other architectural elements made from sandstone.

The Trials and Triumphs of St. Suitbertus

St. Suitbertus has endured its share of trials, most notably during World War II. On June 25, 1943, the church was almost completely destroyed during an air raid on Elberfeld, leaving only the outer walls standing. The reconstruction process began shortly after the war, and by 1954, the church had been rebuilt. However, the interior plaster was removed, exposing the red brickwork that now defines the church's interior aesthetic. A small roof turret that once sat above the crossing was not reconstructed.

In 1994, St. Suitbertus was added to Wuppertal's list of historical monuments, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The Bells and the Organ of St. Suitbertus

The church's bell tower has a storied history of its own. The original bells, cast by the Otto Bell Foundry in Hemelingen/Bremen, were installed in 1899 and 1905. However, only one of these bells survived the requisitioning of bells during World War I. After the war, three new bells from the Schilling foundry replaced those lost, but two of these were also melted down during World War II. Today, the tower houses two bells: the dis′ bell from Otto (1899) and the e′ bell from Schilling (1925). Recently, a third bell from the Herz-Jesu community in Elberfeld was added, further enriching the church's soundscape.

The church's first organ, built by Romanus Seifert in 1901, was destroyed in the 1943 air raid. A new organ, crafted by the Krell brothers of Duderstadt, was installed in 1956, featuring a free-pipe prospect, electro-pneumatic cone chests, and a disposition in the spirit of the organ movement. Despite some controversy over its condition in the 1970s, this organ was replaced in 1978 by an instrument from the Walcker company, incorporating much of the pipework from its predecessor. However, the current organ is in poor condition and is slated for replacement, with the community actively fundraising for this project through biannual concerts.

St. Suitbertus Church stands as a beacon of faith and resilience in Wuppertal's Südstadt. Its rich history, architectural beauty, and the enduring spirit of its community make it a must-visit for anyone exploring this vibrant part of North Rhine-Westphalia.