Ever wonder about the story behind that serene church at the eastern entrance to Tiengen? That’s the Evangelische Kirche Tiengen. It stands as a testament to faith and resilience. The Evangelische Kirche Tiengen is one of two churches in the Tuniberg parish. This parish belongs to the Freiburg-Stadt Deanery within the Evangelical Church in Baden.
Let’s rewind to 888. Tiengen appears in a donation document from St. Gallen Monastery. A church likely existed as early as 890. But the first documented mention of a Symphorian church is in 1275. Its patron saint is Symphorianus. He was a Christian martyr revered mainly in France. He supposedly lived in Autun France in the 2nd century.
In 1556 Tiengen became Protestant. This was as part of the Margraviate of Baden-Durlach. A new church was built in 1576. They kept the rare name of its patron saint. French troops severely damaged the Evangelische Kirche Tiengen during plundering in the early 18th century.
From 1749 to 1751 the church was rebuilt. The choir and the lower part of the tower were integrated from the previous church. Anton Schrotz from Emmendingen was the master builder. He also completed the rectory in 1779.
The onion dome was replaced with the current spire in 1884. The interior was also redesigned in the 1880s. A further redesign took place from 1973 to 1975. The gallery in the choir behind the altar was removed. The organ and pulpit had been located there. The organ was placed at ground level. New stained-glass windows were installed in the choir at this time. However the historic organ obscures the middle window.
The Evangelische Kirche Tiengen faces roughly east. It is a simple hall building with a gable roof. A retracted choir from the predecessor building adjoins it. The choir has a five-eighths closure. The 36-meter-high church tower with its spire is attached to the south side of this choir.
Inside the room is topped by a flat wooden ceiling with ornamental painting. Large clear glass arched windows provide natural light. At the rear of the church a sweeping gallery spans the entrance area.
The organ is located in the choir behind the altar. Organ builder Wilhelm Schwarz from Überlingen created it in 1878. It was his Opus 46. It was placed on a gallery behind the altar. In 1975 the gallery was removed. The organ was reinstalled at ground level. The Endingen workshop Fischer & Krämer Orgelbau renovated it. Waldkircher Orgelbau Jäger & Brommer carried out another restoration in 1996. The instrument has ten registers on one manual and pedal.
The Evangelische Kirche Tiengen stands not only as a place of worship but as a landmark. Its history echoes through the centuries. From its early origins to its modern form it reflects the enduring spirit of Tiengen.