A soaring spire pierces the Würzburg sky. That’s Zur Heiligen Familie. This church isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to resilience. It rose from the ashes of World War II. One of Würzburg’s first postwar church constructions.
Zur Heiligen Familie stands in Heidingsfeld’s Lehmgrubensiedlung. Its location wasn’t accidental. It serves a community. A community that needed a place of worship. A place of hope. The seeds of Zur Heiligen Familie were sown long before its construction.
Back in 1932 building began in the Lehmgrubensiedlung. The first settlers moved in by July 1933. Forward-thinking Father Franz Bretz bought land in 1936. He foresaw the need. The war delayed his vision. But after the war’s devastation the need remained urgent. In 1950 St. Laurentius was rebuilt. It was one of the first churches in Würzburg to be resurrected.
The church’s construction was a race against time. A plea for a new church and parish hall was sent in 1953. Approval and funding followed swiftly. The urgency was palpable. The Kirchenstiftung was established on March 5th 1953. It received state approval just a month later. Land from St. Laurentius became the building site. Its name Zur Heiligen Familie came later.
Ludwig Rützel became curate in 1954. The parish was officially formed in 1955. The cornerstone was laid in 1956 by Prälat Domkapitular Johannes Kötzner. Dombaumeister Hans Schädel was the architect. A new kindergarten opened in 1957. The parish became independent in November 1957. Bishop Josef Stangl consecrated the church on November 10th 1957. Ludwig Rützel became its first pastor.
Inside Zur Heiligen Familie is a treasure trove of artistic and religious significance. A 3.10-meter-tall sculpture of the Holy Family stands in the atrium. It’s by Luis Rauschhuber sculpted from Treuchtlinger marble in 1956. The altar is from 1957 made of Muschelkalk. The Ambo and priest’s seat are also Muschelkalk. They were crafted by Max Walter in 1979. A bronze Tabernakelstele from 1976 depicts a tree of life. It has a stylized Christ figure. Max Bessler made the tabernacle itself. Oskar Müller’s sculpture of Mary and Child dates back to 1959.
The church’s bells a harmonious quartet. They were cast by Bachert of Bad Friedrichshall in 1961. Each bell honors a significant figure. They’ve rung out countless prayers and celebrations over the years. Their resonance has echoed through Heidingsfeld.
Zur Heilige Familie. A place of faith. A symbol of hope. A testament to the enduring spirit of Würzburg.