Herz-Jesu-Kirche

Gazing upon Herz-Jesu-Kirche, imagine its vibrant past. Herz-Jesu-Kirche isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to time, echoing with stories of transformation. Built in 1914, Herz-Jesu-Kirche underwent a significant redesign between 1957 and 1959. This renovation brought forth a wave of artistic additions, primarily crafted by Fritz Schwerdt and later by the Schwerdt & Förster studio. These sacred works, however, no longer reside in their original arrangement. The altar area, once a harmonious ensemble designed by Fritz Schwerdt, featured a tabernacle, altar candlesticks, tall standing candelabras, and a processional cross. These elements, all in hues of blue and turquoise enamel, were later joined by an eternal light. By 1970, the altar area was again transformed. Schwerdt’s tabernacle found a new home on a separate stele to the right of a new altar table. Only the eternal light remains from the original ensemble. The tabernacle itself is a work of art. Its front, adorned with enamel and gemstones, draws inspiration from Schwerdt’s earlier creations. A unique feature is its rear opening, allowing a symbolic display of its emptiness during Holy Week. Originally, the tabernacle stood upon a gilded and chased metal base, giving it an air of lightness. Accompanying it were four smaller altar candlesticks, also designed by Schwerdt. Towering candelabras, crafted from patinated copper and enamel, complemented the tabernacle and eternal light. The processional cross, with its vibrant red enamel, stands out as a unique piece in Schwerdt’s repertoire. Its reverse side, however, is a different story, featuring shades of violet. This allowed the cross to be simply turned during Holy Week, rather than covered. Now, it resides in the memorial chapel. Two reliquary grilles, made of gilded brass and crystal, guard a niche within the side altar. Inside lies a reliquary box, also a creation of Schwerdt & Förster. A crystal window in the grille offers a glimpse of this hidden treasure. Herz-Jesu-Kirche stands as a symbol of artistic evolution and spiritual significance, its walls whispering tales of change and devotion.