“Did you know St. Jakobi-Kirche has two namesakes in Bremen?” I ask. One is an old church, now gone. The other is the beautiful building we stand before now. This St. Jakobi-Kirche stands proudly in Bremen’s Neustadt. It represents a resilient spirit.
Let’s delve into the story of St. Jakobi-Kirche. The original St. Jakobi’s story starts around 1188. Gerhardus de Caminata founded it as his private church. Later, it became property of the Kollegiatstift St. Ansgarii. In the 13th century, it transformed into a brick basilica with a west tower.
The Reformation brought big changes. In 1523, the Bremen Council handed the old St. Jakobi-Kirche to the blacksmiths. They used it as their guild hall. Over time, the tower fell in the 17th century. The long nave was torn down in 1697. The Jakobihalle, a new building, incorporated the remaining choir in 1862. It featured a restaurant, ballroom, and Kaisersaal. Despite being under monument protection since 1917, bombs heavily damaged the Jakobihalle in 1944. The remains were completely removed in 1960. Today, only the street name Jakobikirchhof marks the spot.
Now, let us focus on the St. Jakobi-Kirche. As the city expanded, a new church became necessary. Especially for the working-class population. After some resistance, but encouraged by the Inner Mission, a separate parish formed in 1884. This marked the beginning of the new St. Jakobi-Kirche.
Architect Johannes Rippe designed this church in 1875 and 1876. Its neogothic brickwork is striking. The square layout and rectangular choir add to its charm. The brick tower transitions into an octagonal lantern with a high spire. Notice how the Kirchweg aligns perfectly, creating a stunning view. Inside, a simple wooden ceiling with an open framework gives it character.
Remarkably, St. Jakobi-Kirche was the only church in Neustadt to survive World War II without major damage. After the war, A. Kröning added colorful glass windows. The adjacent parish hall dates back to 1893. Since 1980, the entire complex, including the parsonage, has been under monument protection.
Three bells reside in the belfry. The oldest bell dates back to 1876. The other two were added in 1953 after the war.
Look at the nearly square interior. A wooden ceiling spans above. The altar sits centrally in the choir. The firm Walker und Söhne built the original organ in 1880/81. In 1962, Alfred Führer installed a new organ. It has 1522 pipes. Some parts are even from earlier organs. A recent renovation in 2019 added a Zimbelstern, an effect register.
In 2016, Angelis & Partner received the Bremen Monument Preservation Prize. This recognized their work on the weather-damaged church tower. From 1876 to 1879, G. D. Fraedrich served as the first pastor. In 1884, the Senate approved the formation of an independent parish.
St. Jakobi-Kirche stands as a testament to Bremen’s past. It shows the city’s dedication to community and preservation. Next time you pass by, remember its layered history. Remember its architectural beauty and its central role in Bremen-Neustadt.