The imposing cube of St Antonius stands before you. A testament to post-war modernism. This isn’t your grandma’s church.
St Antonius in Essen-Frohnhausen boasts a fascinating history. Its predecessor a neo-Gothic structure built between 1879 and 1881. It stood on land belonging to a farmer named Johann Pollerberg. The first church was consecrated in 1884. It served as a private house for a while due to the Kulturkampf.
However tragedy struck. In 1944 a devastating air raid destroyed the old St Antonius. Only the tower remained a grim reminder of what was lost. Even this was demolished in 1972 due to structural damage. The bells from the original church found a new home in St Elisabeth’s Church.
But from the ashes rose a phoenix. A competition in 1956 resulted in the construction of the current building designed by the renowned architect Rudolf Schwarz. His design a simple yet striking cube. It’s made of reinforced concrete. Red bricks fill the gaps in a 1.5 meter grid. The square floor plan measures 33 meters on each side.
The church rises 16 meters high. The lower quarter is windowless. Above that the structure expands into a T-shape. This creates a main space with a nave and transept. The congregation can gather around the altar from three sides. The upper portion features scattered square windows with stained glass. They are from the school of Georg Meistermann. The interior design is by Maria Schwarz.
The church has undergone changes. The tabernacle was moved from the altar to the right. A copper altar cross was added. In the early 1980s regional artists created additional pieces. These include a textile work. There’s also an Antonius figure and a Stations of the Cross.
The St Antonius church is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of resilience. It’s a showcase of modern architecture. It’s a living testament to the faith of the community. It’s truly worth exploring. The distinctive architecture. The stained glass windows. And the feeling of peacefulness inside. All combine to make St Antonius a unique and unforgettable experience.