A weathered trumpet-playing angel. That’s the first thing you notice atop the Evangelische Kirche Frechen’s roof rider. This isn’t just any church. This is one of the oldest Protestant churches in a predominantly Catholic area near Cologne. Its very existence is a testament to faith and resilience.
The Evangelische Kirche Frechen’s story begins in 1543. The Reformation had arrived. Followers in Frechen found refuge under the tolerant rule of the Dukes of Jülich. Services were initially held in private homes. This offered a safe space for Protestants even from Cologne. The church’s presbytery records began in 1544. Its presence in the community was already well-established.
Building a dedicated church wasn’t easy. In 1716 construction began. Dutch and English Protestants provided financial support. However fervent young Catholics from Cologne destroyed the initial structure. The community was undeterred. They rebuilt. Pastor Friedrich K Heilmann consecrated the finished church on July 18 1717.
The Evangelische Kirche Frechen started as a house church. The rectory was under a hipped slate roof. A small turret the roof rider replaced a traditional tower. The weather vane this trumpet-playing angel is locally known as the Geusen-Daniel. This design echoes a similar house church in Kirchherten from 1684.
The church evolved. In 1881 the residential section expanded. This accommodated visitors from Cologne. It was however demolished in 1913. Between 1914 and 1921 Schreiterer & Below renovated it extensively. They added a parish hall a new entrance and a bell tower. Further expansion in 1955 extended the church northward. The pulpit and altar were relocated. A 1969 renovation saw these elements returned to their original positions.
Look closely at the church’s austere brick construction. It originally had two windows on each of the three sides. This was when the prayer hall was square and joined the residential section. The simple street-side entrance is now bricked up. The residential part was initially two stories. In 1781 it expanded to house Cologne visitors. This was the Cologne Building. This section was removed in 1913.
Notice the prominent entrance hall on the church’s left. It leads to the square six-story tower. The tower holds a clock and an additional belfry. Three tall rectangular sound holes are on each side of the lower belfry. This ensures the bells resonate throughout Frechen.
Inside three inscription panels from 1765 remain. These wooden panels display the Lord’s Prayer the Ten Commandments and the Apostles’ Creed. Paul Weigmann designed most of the church’s windows. These add color and artistry to the simple interior.
The original organ by Christian Ludwig König dates back to 1770. It’s now in the Kartäuserkirche. Its casing remains. The current organ by Detlef Kleuker was installed in 1962. It has 18 registers across two manuals and a pedal. Couplings for I/II I/P and II/P enhance the musical experience.
The Evangelische Kirche Frechen is more than a place of worship. It is a symbol of unwavering faith. Its history and architectural evolution offer a fascinating insight into Frechen’s culture. It embodies the spirit and resilience of its community.