In the heart of Frechen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, stands a testament to resilience and faith—the Evangelische Kirche Frechen. This venerable church is not only one of the oldest Protestant churches in the predominantly Catholic region surrounding Cologne, but it also carries with it a rich history of religious and communal perseverance.
The roots of the Evangelische Kirche Frechen stretch back to the Reformation period. By 1543, the Reformation had found followers in Frechen, who, under the tolerant rule of the Dukes of Jülich, were allowed to practice their faith. Initially, services were held in private homes, providing a haven for Protestants from nearby Cologne to worship freely. The first records of the church's presbytery date back to 1544, highlighting its longstanding presence in the community.
Despite the early acceptance, the journey to establishing a dedicated church building was fraught with challenges. In 1716, with permission from the ruling authorities and financial aid from Dutch and English Protestants, the construction of the church began. However, it faced immediate opposition. Young, fervent Catholics from Cologne destroyed the initial construction. Undeterred, the community persevered, and on July 18, 1717, Pastor Friedrich K. Heilmann consecrated the newly completed church.
The Evangelische Kirche Frechen was originally designed as a house church, featuring a rectory under a hipped, slate-covered roof. Instead of a traditional tower, a roof rider—a small turret—was permitted. This roof rider is crowned by a weather vane in the form of a trumpet-playing angel, known locally as the Geusen-Daniel. This design element is reminiscent of another house church from 1684 in Kirchherten.
Over the centuries, the church underwent several modifications. In 1881, the residential part of the building was expanded to accommodate visitors from Cologne, but it was demolished in 1913. Between 1914 and 1921, the architectural firm Schreiterer & Below oversaw significant renovations, including the addition of a parish hall, a new entrance, and a bell tower. Further expansion occurred in 1955, extending the church space northward, where the pulpit and altar were also relocated. A thorough renovation in 1969 saw these elements returned to their original positions near the side entrance.
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The Evangelische Kirche Frechen is characterized by its austere brick construction. Originally, the church featured two windows on each of the three sides of the then-square prayer hall, which adjoined the residential section. The plain entrance on the street side has since been bricked up. The residential part, which was initially two stories, was expanded in 1781 to provide overnight accommodation for visitors from Cologne, known as the Cologne Building. This section was demolished in 1913, making way for the expanded worship space.
On the left side of the church stands a prominent entrance hall, leading to the square, six-story church tower. The tower is equipped with a clock and an additional belfry. The lower belfry features three tall, rectangular sound holes on each side, allowing the church bells' sound to resonate clearly throughout the town.
Inside the church, visitors will find three historic inscription panels from 1765. These wooden panels display the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Apostles' Creed, serving as enduring reminders of the church's spiritual heritage. The church windows, predominantly designed by Paul Weigmann, add a touch of artistry and color to the otherwise simple interior.
A significant feature of the Evangelische Kirche Frechen is its organ. The original organ, crafted by Christian Ludwig König in 1770, was relocated to the Kartäuserkirche in 1928, where its casing is still preserved. The subsequent organ, installed in 1962, was made by Detlef Kleuker. This organ boasts 18 registers across two manuals and a pedal, with couplings for I/II, I/P, and II/P, providing a rich musical experience during services.
In conclusion, the Evangelische Kirche Frechen is more than just a place of worship; it is a symbol of endurance and faith in the face of adversity. Its storied past, coupled with its architectural evolution, offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of Frechen. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, the Evangelische Kirche Frechen is a must-visit landmark that embodies the spirit and resilience of its community.
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