St. Marien

Could a church be an anvil? Here at St. Marien Überwasser, also known as Liebfrauen-Überwasser, this question resonated deeply during World War II. St. Marien Überwasser, meaning “church beyond the water,” stands across the Aa River from Münster Cathedral. Its history intertwines with the city’s, originating as part of a women’s educational institution in 1040. This institution later evolved into the University of Münster, which still features St. Marien in its seal. The church’s Gothic hall architecture, dating back to 1340, exudes a sense of timeless grandeur. However, its steeple, originally constructed between 1363 and 1374, has faced repeated destruction and restoration. It fell victim to the Münster Rebellion of Anabaptists and later, a fierce storm in 1704. The church has witnessed significant historical events. It served as the burial place for members of the Droste zu Hülshoff family and Baroque architect Johann Conrad Schlaun. Bernhard Heinrich Overberg, dean and pastor, also rests within its walls. Most notably, St. Marien Überwasser became a platform for resistance against the Nazi regime. On July 20, 1941, Bishop Clemens August Graf von Galen delivered a powerful sermon here, titled “We are the anvil, not the hammer.” This act of defiance solidified the church’s role as a symbol of resilience. Like an anvil, St. Marien Überwasser has endured the blows of history. Damaged during World War II bombings, it underwent meticulous restoration, completed in 1968. Further renovations took place in 2016. Today, St. Marien Überwasser serves as a parish church. It houses two organs, installed in 1972 and 1985. The church stands as a testament to Münster’s enduring spirit. It reminds us of the power of faith and resistance in the face of adversity.