The bells of St. Jakobus und Bruder Konrad. Their chime a familiar song in Harheim. A song that speaks of history resilience and faith.
Welcome to St. Jakobus und Bruder Konrad in Frankfurt am Main. This isn’t just any church. It’s a testament to enduring faith. It stands proudly replacing a Baroque predecessor. That older church a quaint building with only a small tower. It simply couldn’t accommodate the growing Catholic population by the end of the 19th century.
This magnificent structure. Built primarily of brick. Features a nave and an aisle. It’s a design by architect Jan Hubert Pinand. His vision took shape in 1932-33. Consecrated on June 25 1933 by Bishop Ludwig Maria Hugo of Mainz. It’s a true example of German church architecture.
Notice the portal of the side entrance. It’s a relic. Rescued from the demolition of the old church in 1936. This intricate piece bears the coat of arms of Franz Adolf Dietrich von Ingelheim. A fascinating detail often missed.
The church’s patron saint is St. James the Elder. But there’s more to this story. Since 1934 Brother Konrad of Parzham shares the honor. His canonization that year solidified his place alongside St. James.
And see that sturdy tower? A rectangular structure with a gable roof. It houses the bells. Original bells lost during World War II. These current bells were recast in 1952 by Feldmann & Marschel. Each one a unique voice. Michael Maria Jakobus and Bruder Konrad.
The interior is equally compelling. Look closely at the windows. Designed by Alois Plum in 1986. They are abstract depictions of salvation history. A modern interpretation of sacred stories. Smaller windows showcase scenes from the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.
The church wasn’t always as you see it today. A major renovation took place in 1995. The altar moved to the front of the nave. Karl Matthäus Winter redesigned the altar. Reusing parts of the old one. The tabernacle wall a stunning creation of Winter’s is in the rear wall of the choir. The final piece of the renovation. Installed in November 1997.
The church’s history extends to its musical instruments too. A nine-register organ arrived in 1951. Used to replace a harmonium. A new 22-register organ. Featuring 1781 pipes. It was built by the Hillebrand brothers and consecrated in 1971.
St. Jakobus und Bruder Konrad is more than a building. It is a vibrant community. A place of faith. A place of history. A place where the past and present intertwine. A place well worth exploring. Its history unfolds before you. In its architecture. In its bells. In its very stones.