Perhaps you’ve wondered why so many churches bear the name of St. Nikolaus. We are standing before St. Nikolaus-Kirche in Bonn, and its story is deeply intertwined with the legacy of this revered saint.
St. Nikolaus, or Saint Nicholas, a figure of immense popularity, has churches dedicated to him far and wide. His name is even the root of many common names. Think of Klaus, Nicola, Niklas, Nicole, Nicolas, Colin, or Klaas. St. Nikolaus is not just a figure of Advent.
St. Nikolaus is the patron saint of seafarers. That’s why many churches dedicated to him started in coastal towns. Over time his popularity spread inland. Today, Germany boasts around 500 Nikolaus or Nikolai churches. Within the Archdiocese of Cologne alone, there are 14 such churches, along with several Nikolaus chapels.
Here in Bonn-Kessenich, we find not one, but two churches dedicated to St. Nikolaus. The older one dates back to the Late Middle Ages around the 14th century. The one we see now, the current parish church, was built in the late 19th century.
Now, a bit about Kessenich itself. The name “Kessenich” may come from the Celtic word “chesne” which means oak. It might also derive from “acha” meaning water. Thus, Kessenich could mean “Water Oak” or “Oak Forest”. Another explanation suggests the name comes from a Roman personal name, Castinius. If so, Kessenich would mean “Estate of Castinius”.
Historically, Kessenich lacked its own priest. The parish was under the care of St. Martin in Bonn. Residents had to travel to St. Martin for services on Sundays and holidays. But, after the Cologne War in the late 16th century the priest from Bonn moved to Kessenich after 1618.
The French rule from 1802 brought radical changes. The chapel of St. Nikolaus became an independent parish church. Its link to St. Martin was dissolved. St. Quirinus Parish in Dottendorf then became a subsidiary of Kessenich.
One notable pastor of Kessenich was Franz Xaver Lohe. He took office in 1804. He excelled in managing church property, aiding the poor and overseeing the school.
The new St. Nikolaus-Kirche became necessary because Kessenich’s population grew fast in the late 19th century. A building association formed in 1884. The cornerstone was laid in 1888. On September 19, 1891, Bishop Dr. Anton Fischer consecrated the new church.
So, as you stand before St. Nikolaus-Kirche, remember its history and its namesake. St. Nikolaus, the “Victor in the People.” He was a bishop of Myra in what is now Turkey. His legacy lives on in the many churches that bear his name. This church stands as a testament to faith and community. It embodies the spirit of St. Nikolaus himself.