A beacon of faith, the Michaelkirche in Dortmund-Lanstrop stands as a testament to a community’s resilience. Today, we will delve into the story of this remarkable church.
Originally, Lanstrop belonged to the parish of Kurl. In 1569, the community converted to Protestantism. But in 1619, Catholicism was reinstated. Lanstrop remained largely Catholic, unlike its neighbors.
As industrialization boomed, Lanstrop’s population surged. The church in Kurl became too small. A desire for a local church grew. In 1897, the Catholic men of Lanstrop requested their own services. A rented barn was converted into a chapel. It opened on June 1, 1898.
In 1907-1908, a vicarage was built near the church grounds. Architect Hermann Wielers proposed a neo-Gothic church. The church board rejected the initial design. Wielers then created a Romanesque hall church design with a tower.
Construction of the Michaelkirche marked Lanstrop’s independence. On October 1, 1910, Lanstrop became its own parish. This separation from Kurl signified a new chapter.
October 6, 1912, marked the laying of the foundation stone for the Michaelkirche. Local businesses were hired for the construction. Donations from parishioners helped beautify the church. The Michaelkirche was consecrated on September 28, 1913. The total cost exceeded 81,000 Mark.
The Michaelkirche features a three-aisled, neo-Romanesque design. A side tower faces east. A chapel with a semicircular apse extends west. The towering nave is flanked by side aisles. These aisles end before the choir apse. A semicircular choir apse faces north.
The brick walls are supported by buttresses and arched windows. Pilasters divide the wall surfaces. Ornate arched friezes adorn the structure. Rüthen sandstone facings accent the corners and buttresses. These details give the Michaelkirche a robust appearance. The wall surfaces are finished with pebble dash plaster.
Three portals grace the south side, the central one serving as the main entrance of the Michaelkirche. It features a decorated gable with a Romanesque stepped portal. The portal includes slender columns and capitals. A figure of Archangel Michael, the church’s namesake, sits on the gable. Above the portal, a rose window is divided into six sections. A simple triangular gable sits above.
The tower is divided into four sections. The lower segments feature grouped windows. The third segment has arched sound openings. This is where the bells reside. Above, gables face each direction with a clock. A copper-covered dome with a cross and weather vane tops the tower.
Three bells were ordered for the Michaelkirche. They were cast by Glockengießerei Otto in Bremen. They were tuned to C, G, and A. In 1913, they were dedicated to St. Michael, St. Mary, and St. Francis. In 1917, the two largest bells were melted down for the war. Only the small A bell remained. Two new bells were installed in 1926. During World War II, the two largest bells were again melted down. In 1968, two new bells were acquired.
The east-facing tower offers guidance. Major renovations took place in 1985-86. The high altar dates back to the church’s construction. “Maria von Magdala am Ostermorgen” by Sieger Köder has adorned the Michaelkirche since 2003.
The Michaelkirche stands as a beacon. It symbolizes faith, community, and perseverance. It is more than just a building. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of Lanstrop.