Ev. Kirche Reichenberg

Beneath the shadow of Schloss Reichenberg sits a silent storyteller, the Ev. Kirche Reichenberg. This unassuming church, nestled in the heart of Reichenberg, whispers tales of devotion, artistry, and the enduring legacy of the Wolffskeel family. The Ev. Kirche Reichenberg was built in 1733. Its simple elegance belies a rich history. The church’s construction was a gift from the local patrons, the Freiherrn Wolffskeel von Reichenberg. They offered the plot at the foot of the Schlossberg in the early 18th century. The church’s orientation, slightly off the traditional east-west axis, is a subtle nod to its patron, Johann Bleickard Wolffskeel von Reichenberg. The eastward-facing tower, originally overlooking the unobstructed hillside, showcases the church’s beauty to its benefactor. Inside, the Ev. Kirche Reichenberg holds a unique treasure: a Retabelkanzelaltar. This combined altarpiece and pulpit, framed by spiraling Corinthian columns and ornate acanthus carvings, dominates the sanctuary. A painting of the Last Supper by Joseph Anton Glantschnigg, meticulously restored in 1962, adorns the altar. Above, the organ loft proudly displays the Wolffskeel and Truchseß zu Pommersfelden family crests, a testament to the intertwined history of the church and its patrons. The organ itself has seen its own evolution. Originally built by Johann Rudolph Voit in 1733, the organ was updated in 1902 with a new mechanism by Steinmeyer/Öttingen, while preserving the historical facade. Even the seemingly simple baptismal font tells a story. The octagonal sandstone font, with its silver basin and inscription quoting Mark 10:14, was a gift from Alfred Freiherr von Wolffskeel-Reichenberg and his wife Isabella. This donation, made sometime between their marriage in 1886 and Alfred’s death in 1896, adds a personal touch to the church’s history. The Ev. Kirche Reichenberg served as a spiritual hub for the community, drawing even worshippers from Würzburg before Protestant churches were established there in the 19th century. Today, the Ev. Kirche Reichenberg stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, artistry, and the intertwining of history and community. It is a quiet gem, waiting to share its stories with those who pause to listen.