Contemplate the name. Kirche zu den 10000 Rittern. It translates to the Church of the 10000 Knights. This name evokes images of medieval battles and valiant warriors. But what’s the real story behind this intriguing title?
Welcome to the Kirche zu den 10000 Rittern. It is located in Lenthe, now part of Gehrden. This Lutheran church has a history stretching back over six centuries. The Kirche zu den 10000 Rittern stands as a testament to faith and community.
In 1394, the von Lenthe family founded a church in Lenthe. It was dedicated by the Bishop of Minden that same year. This act elevated an existing chapel to a church. Before that, the chapel belonged to the Michaeliskirche in Ronnenberg. The von Lenthe family has held the church patronage ever since.
The original stone church honored the martyrdom of 10000 knights. Its altar was dedicated to Apostle Thomas Saint Anthony Saint Catherine and the Three Wise Men. Between 1542 and 1544, the Lenthe church became Protestant. This change happened during the Reformation in the Principality of Calenberg. A major renovation took place in the 18th century.
Look at the building’s structure. In 1690, an above-ground vault was added for the Untergut family members. In 1737, Johann Paul Heumann redesigned the church. The nave was widened and heightened. Also galleries were installed. Another vault was built on the southwest side for the Obergut family members. The upper structure is timber-framed on a solid base. A square roof turret sits on the east and west roof.
Notice the altar. Johann Conrad Ziesenis created it in 1710 for 60 talers. This late Baroque piece features twisted columns and foliage. It depicts the Last Supper the Crucifixion and the von Reden family crest held by angels.
The von Lenthe family donated the colorful pulpit around 1629. In 1670, they also provided the silver baptismal font. It features Baroque ornaments and the inscription “W. v. L. M. J. v. R.”.
Consider the bells of the Kirche zu den 10000 Rittern. A bell was first mentioned in Lenthe in 1393. In 1671, Ludolf Siegfried cast two bells in Hanover. He used material from an older Lenthe bell. In 1898, the Radler company in Hildesheim recast two new bells using the Siegfried bells. One bell was taken in 1917 and another in 1942 for war purposes. From 1927 to 1955, an iron replacement bell was used. In 1955, the Lenthe church received three new bells cast in 1954 by Friedrich Wilhelm Schilling.
The Kirche zu den 10000 Rittern first acquired an organ in 1818. Meyer from Hanover built it. In 1899, the heirs of Werner von Siemens funded a new organ by P. Furtwängler & Hammer. The third organ was built in 1969 by Schmidt & Thiemann from Hanover. It uses the 1818 organ’s facade.
In 1697, Nikol List’s gang stole valuable items from the Lenthe church. These items dated back to the church’s early days. The Kirche zu den 10000 Rittern is one of ten historical monuments in Lenthe.
The Kirche zu den 10000 Rittern connects us to centuries of faith and community. Its stones its art and its bells tell a story of resilience. As we leave this sacred place may we carry its stories with us.