Have you ever wondered about a church nestled within a castle park? That is the Schlosskirche Rumpenheim. It stands in Offenbach-Rumpenheim. This church is not just any building. It is a piece of history. The Schlosskirche Rumpenheim is also a testament to the shifting tides of faith and power.
Originally, the Schlosskirche Rumpenheim served as a village church. The Rumpenheim community financed its construction. They adhered to the Lutheran faith since 1541. Later, they followed the Reformed faith from 1595. But everything changed after the Rumpenheim Palace expanded between 1781 and 1805. In 1838 the church became the Schlosskirche. It stood proudly in the heart of the palace gardens.
The landgrave family attended services here. Their patronage brought many gifts to the church. Yet, in 1894, Pfarrer Samuel Eck denied Holy Communion to the emperor’s daughter. He also denied it to the landgrave from Rumpenheim Palace in their private chambers. He emphasized that all Christians are equal. Rich and poor are the same in the eyes of God.
The Schlosskirche Rumpenheim boasts a unique architectural style. It is a baroque hall church built from 1756 to 1761. C.P. Diede from Hanau designed it. Its exterior remains unplastered. The church’s southern end features a three-sided apse. A gable roof covers the nave. The tower stands to the north with a tiered hood. Above the portal in the tower, you will find the coat of arms. It represents the Electorate of Hesse. The Landgraviate of Hesse-Kassel-Rumpenheim’s burial site lies to the south. Pietro Tacca’s Christus figure adorns it. The family members were moved here in 1964. They came from the mausoleum.
Inside, the Schlosskirche Rumpenheim has many beautiful features. The pulpit altar in the south has Rococo elements. The organ dates back to 1851. Christian Friedrich Voigt built it. Duke Adolf of Nassau gifted it to the church. It had 17 stops, two manuals and a pedal. It was recently restored between 2003 and 2005.
The Schlosskirche Rumpenheim stands opposite the former Mausoleum. The church is a reformed church. It has a simple design. Underneath the Herrenempore are boxes. They are in the classicist style from around 1800.
The Schlosskirche Rumpenheim is more than bricks and mortar. In 1970, the Bürgerinitiative Rumpenheim was founded. It was against the demolition of Rumpenheim Palace. The initiative led to the palace’s reconstruction. It was destroyed in 1943. The building was rebuilt between 1986 and 2002.
Today, the Schlosskirche Rumpenheim is a vibrant community. It has around 1,900 members. It offers various activities. There are church services, concerts and exhibitions. A choir and senior programs are available too. The Schlosskirche Rumpenheim opens its doors on weekends and holidays. It is open from 2 PM to 5 PM. Take a moment to breathe. Note the simple prayer recommendation. “Connect your prayer with your breath. You will be surprised how calming that is.” The Schlosskirche Rumpenheim is a place of peace. It is a place of reflection.