The soaring stained-glass window above the entrance depicts Saint Bernhard himself. His presence watches over St. Bernhard-Kirche in Bonn-Auerberg. This church isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to faith resilience and artistic vision.
St Bernhard-Kirche was consecrated on December 23 1956. Architects Toni Kleefisch and Carl Leyers designed it. The church’s design is strikingly similar to the nearby Michaelskirche. Both buildings reflect the style of renowned church architect Rudolf Schwarz. Notice the soaring nave with a single side aisle. Look at the rhythmic window bands near the ceiling. The high window block in the choir area is another characteristic feature.
But what truly sets St. Bernhard-Kirche apart is its stunning artwork. The almost ceiling-high mural on the choir wall is a masterpiece. Paul Magar a Bad Godesberg artist created this monumental fresco in 1961. It’s a visual interpretation of the famous hymn ‘Wachet auf ruft uns die Stimme’. The hymn’s text and melody were composed in 1599 by Philipp Nicolai a Lutheran pastor. Magar’s style is unique. It blends elements of Cubism and Orphism. Geometric shapes like circles cones cubes and rhombi create a harmonious composition. He used a pointillist technique. This technique gives the painting a unique three-dimensionality.
The fresco’s imagery is rich in symbolism. It depicts the constellation Ursa Minor the celestial kingdom the earthly realm and the wise virgins. The crowned Christ as the mediator between worlds is a central figure. The entire composition subtly incorporates the altar table. From the altar steps Christ seems to descend into the earthly realm connecting with humanity during Mass and everyday life. This interpretation is based on the artist’s vision.
Originally the choir wall was planned without images. However Father Josef Schäfer the parish priest at the time convinced Magar to decorate it. Father Schäfer a great music lover wanted his favourite hymn visually represented. He believed the hymn’s themes reflected the Christian experience. Magar meticulously prepared the fresco by creating drawings sketches and a scale watercolour design. The result is a timelessly beautiful work. The fresco is considered a successful blend of theme location technique and function.
Beyond the main fresco explore the church’s other features. Note the trapezoidal shapes in the tower design church floor plan entrance portals and windows. This recurring motif enhances the building’s unique character. In the vestibule there’s another of Magar’s works. This 1977 aluminum relief is titled ‘Ite missa est’. It depicts parishioners leaving the church after Mass. The relief is a perfect complement to the grand fresco. St Bernhard-Kirche stands as a beacon of faith artistic achievement and community spirit. It’s more than a church. It’s a captivating story woven into the fabric of Bonn itself.