Dedicated on June 17 1901 the Rosenkranzkirche stands before you a testament to faith and resilience. This Roman Catholic parish church also known as St. Maria is located in Kassel’s Vorderer Westen. Its story is one of growth destruction and rebirth.
Wehlheiden grew rapidly in the late 19th century. By 1892 it had almost 7000 residents including 650 Catholics. They had to walk four kilometers to the Elisabethkirche every Sunday. The church board of St. Elisabeth decided to establish a chapel community and build a church in Wehlheiden. In 1893 they bought land on the lower Kirchweg.
A temporary chapel was built in 1894. However it could only hold 200 people. Wehlheiden continued to grow. In 1897 the community became its own parish named “ad Sanctam Mariam”. Banker Sigmund Aschrott donated a building site on Neumarkt now Bebelplatz. Architect Georg Kegel a parish member designed the church.
Kegel planned a neo-Romanesque church slightly larger than his St. Familia church. Construction began on July 3 1899. The Rosenkranzkirche was consecrated on June 17 1901.
The Rosenkranzkirche initially survived several air raids during World War II. However on September 28 1944 heavy bombs struck. The entire vault collapsed. Four days later incendiary bombs destroyed the organ.
Reconstruction began in 1946 after the war. The roof was completed by July 10 1949. Vault work finished by the end of the year. An organ was installed in 1953.
The Rosenkranzkirche’s architecture is striking. Kegel used geometric shapes like squares circles and semicircles. The floor plan shows regularity. The dimensions of the transept and nave are equal creating a perfect square. The architecture features few embellishments. Small angel heads adorn the half-columns near the apse. Stone portraits of Georg Kegel and Heinrich Burchard the first pastor face the organ gallery.
Significant renovations occurred in 1974 and 1975. The altar was moved. Side altars communion benches and choir stalls were removed.
Today the Rosenkranzkirche continues to be a place of worship. About 3500 Catholics belong to the parish. It stands near the parishes of Maria – Königin des Friedens St. Michael St. Familia and Herz Mariä. The Rosenkranzkirche also fosters ecumenical relationships. It participates in joint services and events with neighboring Christian communities.
As you stand here consider the Rosenkranzkirche’s journey. It reflects the enduring spirit of the community. It is a beacon of faith in Kassel.