Built of sandstone its walls stand tall. This is St Wendel in Frankfurt am Main. A Catholic parish church dedicated to Wendelin of Trier. Its history stretches back further than its current structure. A chapel honoring Wendelin the patron saint of shepherds stood on this site since 1369. Imagine the simple faith of those early worshippers.
The present St Wendel church wasn’t built until 1955 to 1957. Architect Johannes Krahn designed this striking building. He also designed early skyscrapers like the Beehive House. Krahn’s design for St Wendel is unique. The church features a long nave ending in a semicircular choir. The sandstone walls are visible both inside and out. Light streams through bands of windows. The overall effect is both modern and timeless. Some have compared the use of materials to the work of Le Corbusier.
The interior is adorned with stunning artwork. Georg Meistermann created the stained glass window on the south side. Hans Mettel crafted the bronze crucifix on the altar. Fritz Schwerdt and Friedrich Gebhart contributed the golden features. The church’s organ built by Forster & Nicolaus Orgelbau in 1966 boasts 31 stops.
Before this beautiful church existed a temporary one stood. Architect Martin Weber built it in 1938. Remarkably it survived World War II with minimal damage. It served the community until the new St Wendel was completed. Lothar Zenetti served as parish priest from 1962 to 1995. Since 2014 St Wendel has been part of the larger St Bonifatius parish. But its history its spirit remain distinct.
St Wendel is more than just a church. It’s a living testament to faith community and architectural ingenuity. It is a place of quiet reflection. A place where the past meets the present. A significant part of Frankfurt am Main. A place to visit and explore. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty. Its history. Its enduring spirit.