How many stories lie within these walls? Unitas Rhenania stands before us. It is more than just a building. It’s a testament to history, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a unique community.
Unitas Rhenania’s story begins in the early 20th century. The “Catholic theological student association Unitas-Carolingia” was founded unofficially on January 24 1912. Unitas-Salia and Unitas-Sigfridia participated with their complete activities. The official founding took place later on April 24 1912. Theology students from the Collegium Abertinum and Collegium Leoninum in Bonn were the founders.
The student group quickly grew to about 20 members. Seven new members were accepted at the publication celebration. The special features of living in a religious house made it difficult for aspiring theologians to participate in regular student life. “Lights out” was at 7:30 pm.
After World War I, the re-establishment of the association began in 1919. The members of the suspended Unitas-Carolingia strongly advocated for a new foundation. They deliberately chose the name Unitas-Rhenania. Unitas-Salia promoted this re-establishment. Unitas-Sigfridia was very reserved. Unitas-Sigfridia only agreed to the new foundation. Unitas-Rhenania was not allowed to acquire its own house before Unitas-Sigfridia.
In April 1919, the W.K.St.V. Unitas-Rhenania was founded. The “Haus Unitas-Rhenania Bonn e.V.” association was founded on September 8 1919. On February 11 1920, the house on Ermekeilstrasse was purchased. Professor Wilhelm Neuß was again at the cradle of Unitas-Rhenania.
He shaped the corporation during the Nazi era. He held the office of honorary senior for many decades. He was regularly available as a speaker at scientific lectures. The student group mainly consisted of medics, theologians, farmers and surveyors. The members of the agricultural faculty were “not good enough” for many other associations. Unitas-Rhenania welcomed many members from these disciplines.
In 1938, the Unitas Association was banned. This was on the order of SS leader Himmler. In 1943, the German Reich was registered as the owner of the house. This was in the land register at the Bonn District Court. In 1953, the house returned to the possession of Unitas Rhenania. This was due to the first compensation agreement of the Bonn Regional Court.
Unitas is the oldest Catholic student and academic association in Germany. It was founded in 1855 from Bonn and Tübingen. It was one of the largest corporation associations in Germany and Austria before the Second World War. It had almost 70 active local associations between Königsberg and Strasbourg, Innsbruck and Paris.
The house itself has a story. In 1882, the Rhenanenhaus was built in the Südstadt at Ermekeilstrasse 26. The “Haus Unitas Rhenania Bonn” association bought it on February 11 1920.
After the Second World War, Catholic student associations were able to reconstitute themselves. This was due to the ban by the Nazi rulers and the demonstrable opposition to the Nazi system. In 1947, the St. Albertus-Magnus university group was founded as the second Bonn Unitas association. It continued the tradition of Unitas-Rhenania. In 1949, it reassumed the old name.
Unitas Rhenania stands as a reminder. It embodies the values of community, tradition, and intellectual exchange. The building is a home to students. It is also a symbol of enduring friendship. As we stand here, we recognize Unitas Rhenania. It is a vital part of Bonn’s history. It contributes to the city’s vibrant academic life.