Consider this: A sacred space atop Kapitelberg has echoed with prayers for nearly a millennium. This is the Stiftskirche Maria in der Not. Let’s step back in time and explore the rich history woven into the very stones of this ancient church.
The story of Stiftskirche Maria in der Not begins in 1073. Abbess Schwanhilde of Essen founded it. In 1074, it was consecrated as Nikolauskapelle by Archbishop Anno II. Initially, Premonstratensians managed it as a double convent in the 12th century. Later, it became a nunnery.
By the 15th century, the nunnery evolved into a free secular women’s collegiate foundation. The number of canonesses was limited to twenty. This number matched the available prebends from the foundation’s land holdings. In 1803, during secularization, the foundation was dissolved. However, some canonesses remained. They owned houses on the mountain. The Stiftskirche Maria in der Not then served as a parish church until 1907.
As Stoppenberg’s population grew, the Nikolauskirche was built at the foot of the mountain. It became the new parish church. In 1965, a convent of Discalced Carmelite nuns of “Maria in der Not” was established at the Stiftskirche. The sisters lead a cloistered life. They run a monastery garden and a Hostien bakery. They produce around 17,000 hosts daily. These are supplied to several parishes.
The building itself is a three-aisled Romanesque pillar basilica. It is made of Ruhr quarry stone. It was completed around the mid-12th century. The church features a square choir room with a semicircular apse. It is one of the earliest vaulted basilicas in the Rhineland. Vault caps were not rebuilt after war damage in 1945.
Originally, a western pair of towers framed the west gallery. Only the south tower remains at full height. In the 17th century, the roof shape was altered. A rooftop turret was added. A porch was added before the southern entrance. The difficult ground conditions on the hill necessitated supporting buttresses. These were also added in the 17th century. The ground conditions also led to the later installation of a stone vault.
West of the church was a chapter house. Most novices and canonesses lived there. It was sold for demolition in 1826. The Stiftskirche Maria in der Not suffered heavy damage during World War II. It was rebuilt after 1945. Mining activity between 1900 and 1985 caused the entire site to sink about twelve meters. The most severe mining damage occurred before 1977. In response, steel-reinforced concrete ring anchors and surrounding ring anchorings were installed.
Inside, you can find a Romanesque baptismal font from the 12th century. It is made of blue stone. Its design suggests it was imported from the Maasland region.
The church also houses the tomb of Franz Ferdinand Freiherr von der Wenge. He was a Münster canon. He founded the St. Antony ironworks near Oberhausen-Osterfeld in 1758. This marked the beginning of the iron and steel industry in the Ruhr area.
As you leave the Stiftskirche Maria in der Not, remember the centuries of faith. Remember the dedication that have shaped this remarkable place. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of the community.