Gazing upon Kath. Kirche Herz Jesu, imagine a church envisioned as a grand basilica. Only the choir, transept, and Ketteler memorial chapel were actually built. Kath. Kirche Herz Jesu stands as a testament to the unfulfilled dreams of its architects. The church’s red sandstone and plaster construction create a picturesque contrast. An eight-sided ridge turret crowns the crossing. This turret bears a distinctive copper helmet, topped with a figure of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Kath. Kirche Herz Jesu was designed by Ludwig Becker. It was built to honor Bishop Wilhelm Emmanuel Freiherr von Ketteler in Mainz’s largest working-class district. Construction began on August 9, 1911. World War I interrupted the project. The initial phase, the choir, was completed on September 28, 1913. The planned facade flank tower and nave never materialized.
The church’s interior boasts light-filled spaces and intricate vaults supported by clustered pillars. The stained-glass windows are the work of Alois Plum. Later additions include modern glass windows by Alois Blum, Mainz. These complement the neo-Gothic style. The Ketteler memorial chapel possesses a hidden height. Climbing the spiral staircase reveals a surprisingly tall space.
The absence of the nave and tower necessitated structural reinforcements. Ring anchors were installed in 1999/2001. During this renovation, Vitus Wurmdobler painted the choir room. This unique design sparked much discussion. A large wooden cross, originally by Alois Plum, was later adorned with a baroque corona. Modern “Mikado” incandescent wheel lamps replaced the older fluorescent tube lights. In 2011, a 16-part Stations of the Cross, carved by Mombacher citizen Jupp Schmitt, was added. He used wood from a lime tree that once graced the parish garden of St. Nikolaus.