Dedicated to the hunter’s patron saint stands the Hubertuskapelle. It is a testament to faith and community spirit in Bonn’s Ückesdorf. This small church has a story etched in its very walls. It received the Fassadenpreis award in 2005. The award recognized its careful renovation.
In 1718, Michael Rheindorf, a vicar from Bonn, funded its construction. He was the son of Tilmannus Rheindorf and Elisabeth Moll. Michael and his family continued to support the chapel. They made further donations to maintain it. The Rheindorf family gained patronage rights after Michael’s death. This meant they were responsible for the Hubertuskapelle’s upkeep. For generations, Rheindorf family members served as vicars in Ückesdorf.
Local lore tells a tale that led to the chapel’s rededication. The chapel was originally dedicated to the Holy Trinity. In 1727, a woman was bitten by a rabid dog. Saint Hubertus was known as a protector against rabies. She and her husband walked barefoot to Saint-Hubert in the Ardennes. They visited his tomb. After she was healed, the couple brought back a statue of Saint Hubertus. It was placed in the chapel as thanks. This event sparked devotion to Saint Hubertus in Ückesdorf. The Hubertus Feast was celebrated each year on November 3rd.
Until 1968, the Hubertuskapelle was Ückesdorf’s only church. The population grew in the 1950s and 1960s. The chapel became too small. A new parish church was built. This new church was later torn down.
Inside the Hubertuskapelle, there was once a Katharinen Altar. It came from the Bonn Minster’s crypt. Its location today is unknown. Later, the Hubertuskapelle received a late Baroque wooden altar. An oil painting of Saint Peter is in the altar’s retable. Anton Rheindorf created it in 1668. Johann and Katharina Schruder commissioned it. The Hubertuskapelle features a Saint Hubertus sculpture and a Madonna. These wooden carvings date back to the 18th century. A bell from 1910 hangs in the steeple. It is 40 centimeters in diameter.
The Hubertuskapelle needed renovation. The timber framework fillings were coming loose. Rainwater damaged the base. The exterior renovation led to interior updates. New colors and dimmable lighting were added. The jury for the Fassadenwettbewerb recognized the chapel’s unique story. It was restored through private initiative.
The jury also valued the responsible care of the surrounding area. The small fenced-in space and old grave crosses add to the site’s charm. These crosses have only been there for about 25 to 30 years. The Hubertuskapelle and its surroundings create a significant place. It serves as a historical landmark. It represents a well-maintained gathering place. The citizens of Ückesdorf have a tradition of private initiative. They first repaired the church in 1859. Back then, it was the village’s only church. Today, private initiative is still alive. The community cares for this chapel. The Fassadenpreis recognized this commitment.
The Hubertuskapelle stands as a symbol of faith and community. It shows the power of private initiative. It is a cherished landmark in Bonn-Ückesdorf. Its history and beauty continue to inspire.