Picture the imposing brick structure before you. This is the Heilige Schutzengel church in Essen’s Frillendorf district. Its history is as rich and textured as the bricks themselves.
Construction began in 1923 under architect Edmund Körner. This was a time of immense hardship. The Ruhr Occupation followed World War I. People faced unrest hunger strikes and hyperinflation. A loaf of bread cost five million marks. The church’s foundation stone was laid on October 7 1923. The inscription on the stone speaks volumes about the challenges. It states that the church was built with the help of parishioners despite these incredibly difficult times.
The first mass was celebrated in 1924. The church was still under construction. However money shortages and war damage delayed completion. The bell tower wasn’t finished until 1958. The church was finally consecrated in 1989 after extensive renovations.
The interior is a stunning blend of central and directional design. The lighting creates a mystical atmosphere. The elliptical layout with six semi-circular chapels is reminiscent of Cologne’s St Gereon Church. The two-story entrance building houses a space for the organ though it’s not used anymore. A smaller organ now sits in the hexagonal choir. The main area is painted bright. The chapels and choir are in bold colors.
Notice the stunning features. The 1923-24 gypsum cherub figures crafted by Körner himself are truly remarkable. The Stations of the Cross majolica reliefs from 1937 are the work of Heinrich Pütz. The current organ a 2001 creation by Orgelbau Simon boasts 26 registers two manuals a pedal and 1308 pipes.
The bells are another highlight. Music director Jakob Schaeben meticulously analyzed their sound. He determined that the bells were perfectly tuned. The material and casting were exceptional. The bells’ vibrant energy and the acoustics of the bell tower produce a truly exceptional and moving sound. This is a truly exemplary set of bells.
The Heilige Schutzengel church stands as a testament to the resilience of the community. It’s more than just a building. It’s a symbol of faith hope and perseverance through times of great adversity. It invites you to reflect on the past and find peace in its stunning architecture and rich history.