Established as a girls’ school in 1897, Gymnasium St. Mauritz has a rich history. It stands before you today as a testament to education and adaptation. Originally, the Sisters of Divine Providence founded it. Their mission was to prepare young women to become teachers.
The land for Gymnasium St. Mauritz was acquired in 1892. Bishop Hermann Jakob Dingelstad purchased it from Heinrich Wersebeckmann. Today, the access road still bears his name: Wersebeckmannweg. After initial concerns were resolved, construction began in 1896.
Even during construction, the first sisters moved in in August 1897. Sister Antonia Limbrock led them. On October 1, 1897, the boarding school opened with three classes. At that time, the school building consisted only of the central section. It included the kitchen, two refectories, and the chapel that still exists today. The chapel formed the heart of the cross-shaped building.
Gymnasium St. Mauritz gained recognition as a higher education institution in 1909. This recognition followed the Prussian girls’ school reform of 1908. The sisters provided the academic training for the students. However, a secular teacher had to lead the seminar year. By 1912, the school could form its own examination board.
The school began admitting external students from Muenster in 1914. To ease the commute for students from downtown Muenster, the sisters rented additional space in 1922. This led to the establishment of Marienschule Muenster, which is also under the Diocese of Muenster today.
Under National Socialism, the Gymnasium St. Mauritz faced challenges. In 1936, the preparatory school closed. In 1939, the last final examination took place. On July 1, 1943, the school closed because the sisters were prohibited from teaching.
The Nazis used the buildings after the school’s closure. The Air Force Group 6 occupied over 80 offices. Combat equipment was placed on the school’s roof under a glass dome. The school became a target for Allied attacks. Despite the surrounding bomb detonations, the school building sustained no major damage.
After the war, the school reopened on January 9, 1946. It was the first secondary school in Muenster to resume classes. Other schools were damaged and needed repair. The first post-war Abitur exams were held in 1949.
In 1950, the school was renamed Gymnasium St. Mauritz. In 1971, the Diocese of Muenster took over the school. The sisters wanted to use the existing buildings as their generalate. They lacked the funds for a new building.
In 1983, coeducation was introduced and the school was officially named Gymnasium St. Mauritz. Extensive renovations were completed in 1988, including outdoor sports facilities. Since 2010, the roof has been renovated. The Diocese archive has been repurposed for school use to convert to all-day schooling.
Today, Gymnasium St. Mauritz continues its commitment to religious values. It offers regular services and fosters a sense of community. Students participate in social projects. They learn compassion and social responsibility.
The architecture of Gymnasium St. Mauritz reflects its history. The older building shows elements of late 19th-century eclecticism. Gothic features blend with practical design. The newer building reflects the Brutalist style.
Gymnasium St. Mauritz stands as a vibrant educational institution. It embraces tradition while adapting to modern needs. Its rich history and commitment to values make it a cornerstone of Muenster.