Listen closely. The story of St. Matthäus in Regensburg begins not with soaring spires or ancient stones but with a wave of displaced people. After World War II a surge of mostly Protestant refugees from the former German eastern territories poured into this city. The Evangelical population exploded from 11450 in 1939 to 17000 by 1952. This influx necessitated a new church.
St. Matthäus wasn’t just another church. It was a beacon of hope a testament to rebuilding in a post-war world. Imagine the atmosphere in 1954 the year of its inauguration. A new beginning for so many. A new church for a burgeoning community. The very architecture of St Matthäus reflects this new era. Designed by Adolf Abel whose son was a vicar in Regensburg at the time. The building is more than a church. It’s a complex of church community center kindergarten and apartments all united under one sweeping roof. Think of it a tent a symbol of shelter and community.
The design is unique. It’s not your typical church orientation. St Matthäus faces south. This unconventional design maximizes natural light flooding the interior with morning sunshine. Abel cleverly designed the building to be adaptable. Folding screens separate the main church from a large community hall. This allows for flexible space for various needs and occasions. The spaciousness the light the flexibility all speak to the modern concepts of the post-war period.
The building’s aesthetics are striking. The interior features a graceful free-standing concrete balcony. The altar is made of Wallenfelser marble. The artwork is equally impressive. Blasius Spreng created the brass work showing the writing Matthew. His most captivating work however is the altarpiece. It depicts the Sermon on the Mount using the enkaustic technique a vibrant mix of wax and pigment. This bold artistic statement extends to the crucifix and the hymn boards. A bronze figure of the crucified Christ by Marie Luise Wilckens adds to the richness. A modern take on a classical symbol.
Even the bells of St. Matthäus have a story. Three bells cast in 1954 by Karl Czudnochowsky. They form an e-minor chime named the Peace Bell the Lord’s Prayer Bell and the Baptism Bell each bearing a meaningful inscription from scripture. Their melodic calls still resonate over Regensburg a timeless testament to faith and hope. The church is nearly unchanged since its construction. Only minor renovations including a new heating system and improved insulation occurred in 2008.
The organ too a marvel of engineering is a testament to this era. The first mechanical organ built in Regensburg in modern times. Constructed by Eduard Hirnschrodt in 1955. It has a neobaroque style employing an uncommon mechanical action in this era. This remarkable instrument boasts 16 stops across two manuals and pedals. It stands at the western end of the church allowing for optimal sound projection even when the large community hall is included.
St Matthäus stands as a remarkable example of post-war architecture and community spirit. A sanctuary of hope built on the foundation of faith and resilience. More than bricks and mortar it’s a living testament to the power of adaptation and the enduring strength of the human spirit.