“Wie eine Scheune!” That’s what people exclaimed when the rough structure of St. Maria in den Benden was finished. This exclamation wasn’t an insult. Architect Emil Steffann replied: “Thank God, they noticed. It is supposed to be one!”
St. Maria in den Benden stands as a testament to innovative church design. It integrates seamlessly into its surroundings. The church is located in the Wersten district of Düsseldorf. It embodies a unique architectural vision.
In the 1950s, the Catholic population grew significantly. This growth was due to development west of the Kölner Landstraße. The area was known as “Benden” a term for wetlands in the Rhineland. The Archdiocese of Cologne decided to divide St. Maria Rosenkranz parish. This division led to the creation of a new parish in den Benden in 1953.
Planning for the parish center began in 1955. The location was on Dechenweg near a former brickyard. Construction took only a year and a half. In September 1959, St. Maria in den Benden was consecrated. It was dedicated to the “Immaculate Virgin and Mother of God Mary.” The church’s name incorporates the area’s name. This emphasizes its integration into the landscape.
St. Maria in den Benden was designed by Emil Steffann and Nikolaus Rosiny. Steffann sought to renew Catholic liturgy and church building. The building resembles a barn. It blends with the surrounding single-family houses. This design evokes the stable in Bethlehem. Brickwork symbolizes a community of living stones. It creates a “maternally enveloping, Marian space.” Church, parish hall, house and kindergarten are under one roof. They surround a courtyard.
A high glass facade faces the courtyard. It allows ample light to enter the windowless space. The facade can be opened to enlarge the worship area. The wooden ceiling slopes from the roof. It covers the altar area. The floor features stones. This links the church to the nearby Rhine River.
By the late 1970s, the parish had grown to 3,200 members. The existing space was insufficient. An extension was built in 1985. It provided a larger parish hall and group rooms.
St. Maria in den Benden became a listed building in the mid-1990s. It is part of the Seelsorgeeinheit Düsseldorfer Rheinbogen since 2008. This includes the Catholic parishes in Holthausen and Itter.
The church bell bears a quote from Angelus Silesius. It says: “No sound can ever be so lovely, as when the human heart agrees with God.” From 1960 to 1964, Leonie Alt added unique touches. These included the Nativity scene, Pietà and Madonna.
Originally, the pews were arranged in three sections. These were divided by aisles around the altar. The altar was raised slightly. To improve access, some pews are now arranged diagonally. The free-standing altar was moved closer to the apse. A cylindrical tabernacle was added after the altar’s relocation.
At Christmas, the altar is transformed. The church becomes a Nativity scene. This reflects the architects’ original vision for the parish center.
The organ was built in 1961 by Johannes Klais. It sits on a gallery above the sacristy. The instrument has 13 registers on two manuals and a pedal.
The Catholic Polish Mission in Düsseldorf is also located here. Holy Mass is celebrated in Polish every Sunday and holiday. St. Maria in den Benden represents a unique blend of architecture, community and faith. Its design and history make it a special place in Düsseldorf.