St. Peter and St. Paul's Church Bad Oldesloe

St. Peter and St. Paul's Church Bad Oldesloe, known locally as Peter-Paul-Kirche Bad Oldesloe, is a magnificent testament to the rich history and architectural splendor of Bad Oldesloe, a charming town in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. This evangelical church, nestled atop the Kirchberg, has been a spiritual and cultural beacon since its inception in the 12th century.

The Historical Tapestry

The origins of St. Peter and St. Paul's Church Bad Oldesloe trace back to the year 1150, when Bishop Vicelin consecrated the first stone church dedicated to the Apostle Peter. This initial structure, a three-aisled basilica crafted from fieldstones, likely replaced an earlier wooden church. The dedication to St. Paul was added later in 1483, enriching its spiritual significance.

Throughout the centuries, the church has endured and evolved. It faced significant damage in 1415 during the war between Duke Eric V of Saxe-Lauenburg and Lübeck. Rebuilding efforts were undertaken, only for the church to suffer again from a devastating fire caused by lightning before 1537. Restoration was slow, and it wasn't until 1542 that the church was fully re-roofed.

By the mid-18th century, the church had become so dilapidated that it was demolished in 1757. The construction of the current late Baroque building began under the direction of Lübeck master builder Johann Adam Soherr and was completed in 1763. Soherr's design features a longitudinal rectangular hall church with a recessed choir and double-story galleries, creating a space that is both grand and intimate.

Architectural Marvels and Artistic Treasures

One of the most striking features of St. Peter and St. Paul's Church Bad Oldesloe is its interior, which houses an array of historical and artistic treasures. The church's original Renaissance winged altar, crafted by Hamburg sculptor Henning Heidtrider in 1634, was transferred from the previous building. Though the main crucifixion image is lost, twelve reliefs from the altar's side wings have been preserved and are now displayed on the gallery balustrade.

In 1807, the Oldesloe mayor acquired a high Baroque altar from the St. John's Monastery church in Lübeck, which replaced Heidtrider's altar despite opposition from the congregation. This Baroque altar underwent several modifications and was ultimately destroyed during the 1960 renovation.

The church's interior was significantly altered during the 1960 renovation by architect Otto Andersen. The Baroque altar and pews were removed, and new, striking stained glass windows by artist Siegfried Assmann were installed in the chancel. These windows depict scenes from the lives of St. Peter, Jesus Christ, and St. Paul, adding a vibrant narrative to the sacred space.

The Towering Spire and Bells

The church's towering spire, added in 1886, is a prominent feature of Bad Oldesloe's skyline, standing at approximately 60 meters. This neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic style tower replaced the separate bell tower where the church's bells had hung until 1884.

Within the tower resides a four-part bell ensemble. The oldest bell, cast in 1765 by Johann David Kriesche from Eckernförde, weighs 900 kg and bears a Latin inscription honoring King Frederick V of Denmark. The other three bells were cast in 1957 by the Rincker bell foundry and have since continued to call the faithful to worship.

The Organ and Acoustics

Music has always played a vital role in the life of St. Peter and St. Paul's Church Bad Oldesloe. In 1961, a three-manual Kemper organ with 3,026 pipes was installed. This instrument served the church until 2006, when it was replaced by a new organ from the Mühleisen organ builders in Leonberg. This modern organ, featuring 41 registers and 2,824 pipes, combines mechanical and electrical action to produce a rich and resonant sound, enhancing the church's acoustics and providing a sublime auditory experience for worshippers and visitors alike.

A Sanctuary of Art and Faith

St. Peter and St. Paul's Church Bad Oldesloe is not just a place of worship; it is a sanctuary of art and history. The chancel houses three large stained glass windows by Siegfried Assmann, depicting pivotal moments in the lives of St. Peter, Jesus Christ, and St. Paul. Between these windows hang the twelve reliefs from Heidtrider's winged altar, along with the predella featuring a depiction of the Last Supper and four statues of the Evangelists, believed to have originally adorned the main shrine.

Other notable artworks include a bronze crucifix by Fritz Fleer from 1960, and a 15th-century statue of the Virgin Mary, depicted as the Queen of Heaven with a crown, holding the Christ Child who in turn holds a globe. The church also boasts a unique offertory box from 1590, carved from a linden tree trunk and vividly painted to depict the poor Lazarus, with an inscription urging charity.

A Living Heritage

Today, St. Peter and St. Paul's Church Bad Oldesloe continues to be a vibrant center of faith and community. It serves as the main church of the Evangelical Lutheran parish of Oldesloe, which also includes the Martin Luther Church in Tralau and the Christ Church in Rethwisch. The church's rich history and architectural beauty make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Bad Oldesloe and the surrounding region.

Whether you are drawn by its historical significance, its artistic treasures, or its serene spiritual atmosphere, St. Peter and St. Paul's Church Bad Oldesloe offers a profound and enriching experience. As you walk through its doors, you are not just stepping into a building; you are entering a living tapestry of faith, history, and community that has been woven over centuries. It is a place where the past meets the present, and where every visitor can find a moment of reflection and inspiration.