Margarethenkirche
| Margarethenkirche | |
|---|---|
| Exterior view of Margarethenkirche in Gehrden Margarethenkirche in Gehrden | |
| Location | Gehrden, Hanover Region, Lower Saxony |
| Country | Germany |
| Denomination | Lutheran |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Dedication | Saint Margaret of Antioch |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Romanesque and Gothic |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Gehrden |
Margarethenkirche is an Evangelical-Lutheran church in Gehrden, in the Hanover Region of Lower Saxony, Germany. It is regarded as the oldest surviving building in the town and is dedicated to Saint Margaret of Antioch.[1]
History
According to parish tradition, an earlier church may have existed on the site as early as the late 11th century, probably as a timber-framed structure. The present stone church is usually dated to around 1250 and belongs to the transitional period between Romanesque and Gothic architecture.[2]
The church was severely damaged in the town fire of 1467. After this destruction, the surviving western tower was retained and a new Gothic nave with rib vaults was constructed.[2] The area around the church served as a cemetery until the mid-19th century, and several historic gravestones survive in the former churchyard.[2]
Architecture
The western tower is the oldest part of the building and is considered the first stone structure erected in Gehrden.[2] It has been described as a fortified church tower, with thick masonry, narrow openings resembling loopholes, and traces of defensive features intended to protect the local population in times of danger.[2]
The tower is approximately 32.8 metres high.[2] After the fire of 1467, its original roof form was altered by the addition of a stepped gable, which later became a symbol of Gehrden and is reflected in the town's coat of arms.[2]
The west portal preserves Romanesque elements, including columns and a tympanum showing Christ in blessing while holding a book.[2]
Interior
Among the oldest furnishings is a sandstone baptismal font, which is attributed to the period of the first stone church and displays late Romanesque ornament.[2]
A south aisle was added in 1909.[2] In 1999, the chancel area was redesigned, including a new arrangement of the altar space and stained glass by the artist El Loko.[2]
Bells and organ
The church tower houses three bells, including one dated 1355, which is regarded as one of the oldest bells in Lower Saxony.[2] After being damaged by cracks, it was repaired in 2000 and rehung in a wooden yoke.[2]
The present organ was built in 2004 by Jörg Bente, partly reusing and revoicing pipework from an earlier instrument of 1969.[3][4]
Heritage status
The church is listed in the cultural heritage register of Lower Saxony as part of the historic ensemble in the town centre of Gehrden.[5]
References
- ↑ "Kirchenprospekt Margarethenkirche Gehrden" (PDF) (in Deutsch). Kirchenkreis Ronnenberg.
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 "Kirchenprospekt Margarethenkirche Gehrden" (PDF) (in Deutsch). Kirchenkreis Ronnenberg.
- ↑ "Gehrden, Margarethenkirche" (in Deutsch). Jörg Bente Orgelbau.
- ↑ "Die Orgel der Margarethenkirche" (in Deutsch). Kirchenkreis Ronnenberg.
- ↑ "Margarethenkirche in Gehrden" (in Deutsch). Niedersächsisches Landesamt für Denkmalpflege.
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