Alte Katholische Pfarrkirche Refrath

Did a small stream really flow through the Alte Katholische Pfarrkirche Refrath? This intriguing tale has been whispered for generations. Let’s uncover the truth together, here in Alt Refrath, a district of Bergisch Gladbach. The Alte Katholische Pfarrkirche Refrath, also known as the Taufkirche Refrath, stands before us, a weathered testament to centuries of history. This unassuming church, built with plastered rubble stone, isn’t just any church. It holds the distinction of being the oldest church in Bergisch Gladbach. Its roots trace back to a private church near the Salhof of the Counts of Merheim, evolving from a humble wooden structure in the ninth century to a rectangular building around 972. The Alte Katholische Pfarrkirche Refrath as we see it today dates back to around 1200. Imagine the scene: a simple rectangular hall, a low ceiling, a sharply drawn triumphal arch. Over the next centuries, the church grew. A larger choir, as wide as the nave, was added in the first half of the 13th century. A sturdy west tower joined the structure. In the mid-18th century, a sacristy was built at the top of the choir. The church even faced a period of near ruin after the new parish church was built between 1864 and 1871. Thankfully, the Alte Katholische Pfarrkirche Refrath was lovingly restored between 1907 and 1909. Inside the Alte Katholische Pfarrkirche Refrath, look closely at the walls. Notice the tiny original Romanesque arched windows nestled beside later rectangular additions. Remarkable Gothic wall paintings from around 1430-1440 adorn the choir, rediscovered in 1908 and carefully restored in 1983. These vibrant images offer a glimpse into the artistic and spiritual life of the past. Now, about that stream. Local lore suggests the Alte Katholische Pfarrkirche Refrath earned its nickname, “Taufkirche,” from a small stream that flowed through it, used for baptisms by immersion. However, excavations in 1968 debunked this theory. The stream actually flowed south of the church until it was channeled in 1972. The church’s name likely connects to its patron saint, John the Baptist. The “Taufkirche” moniker might be a linguistic evolution of “Täuferkirche,” or baptist’s church. The Alte Katholische Pfarrkirche Refrath also bears witness to a dark chapter of history. On April 13, 1945, Allied troops gathered here. A local man, Johann Will, was unjustly accused of firing shots and executed near the churchyard wall. The nearby Willweg now commemorates his tragic fate. The Alte Katholische Pfarrkirche Refrath stands as a silent sentinel, bearing witness to faith, resilience, and the passage of time.