St.-Petri-Kirche

St.-Petri-Kirche, or St. Petri as it is known locally, stands as the largest church in Westerstede, Niedersachsen, Germany. This magnificent structure is not only a place of worship but also a historical beacon and the town's most recognizable landmark. With its rich history dating back to the 12th century and its architectural splendor, St.-Petri-Kirche is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Ammerland region.

The History of St.-Petri-Kirche

The origins of St.-Petri-Kirche are steeped in medieval history. The first Romanesque church on this site was founded in 1123 by the knights of Fikensolt. This initial structure, built with hewn fieldstones, featured a chancel with a semi-circular apse. A century later, in 1232, a new church was constructed on the same foundations using granite blocks. Originally, this church had a flat wooden ceiling, which was later replaced by a vaulted ceiling during the 13th and 14th centuries when the chancel and apse were dismantled and the current chancel extension was built.

The west tower, initially a single-story structure, was raised to its monumental form in the latter half of the 13th century with the addition of two more stories in brickwork. The tower's distinctive octagonal spire, adorned with a ball, cross, and swan, was initially covered with tiles and later with a wooden roof sheathed in copper. The tower's base is a hall that remains accessible to visitors today.

The bell tower, which stands apart from the main church building, dates back to the 13th century, with an additional story likely added in the 15th century. The bells, which serve as the clock chime, were cast in 1604 and 1728 by Sebald Groning of Erfurt and Hendrik Kemper, respectively, and hang on the southern side of the west tower. Additional bells in the bell tower date from 1626 and 1794, created by unknown and known founders respectively, and were recast from earlier bells.

The Reformation reached Ammerland in the early 16th century, with the first evangelical efforts recorded in 1524. However, it wasn't until the 1570s that the St.-Petri congregation fully embraced the Protestant faith, with Hero Friedrich becoming the first pastor of the new faith in 1579. The church underwent significant renovations in the mid-20th century, including a major restoration in 1955-56, which saw the chancel area elevated and medieval wall paintings uncovered on the north side. Further stabilization work on the west tower was carried out in 1979.

Architectural Marvels

St.-Petri-Kirche boasts a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. The 46-meter-high tower, constructed from reddish brick with a granite base, is a striking feature of the church. Its pointed roof is flanked by four smaller corner turrets, each with its own pointed roof. The adjacent bell tower, with its three arched openings, adds to the church's architectural charm, though it was never intended as an entrance.

Interior and Artifacts

The interior of St.-Petri-Kirche is equally captivating. The Passion Altar, dating back to the early 15th century, features twelve side panels and two main panels, with some of the painting from the 16th century still intact. The Triumph Cross group, assembled in 1996, includes replicas of the original 15th-century figures of Mary and John, with the originals housed in the Landesmuseum Oldenburg. The baptismal font, a donation from an Ammerland family, dates back to 1648.

On the east wall of the chancel, remnants of a fresco painting can be seen, depicting the Volto Santo from Lucca, Italy, a rare representation of Kümmernis or Wilgefortis from the late 14th century. Additionally, a monumental oil painting by Spanman Bremae from 1772 illustrates the Last Judgment, adding to the church's artistic heritage.

The Organ

The church's organ, originally crafted by Joachim Kayser in 1687, featured 22 registers. Although only the main work's prospect with the original Praestant has survived, the organ was reconstructed in 1972 by Jürgen Ahrend and Gerhard Brunzema to reflect the historical sound concept of the North German Baroque organ. This reconstruction was the final collaboration between the two renowned organ builders. The instrument, with its mechanical action and 22 registers across two manuals and a pedal, includes a total tremulant and offers a mesmerizing auditory experience.

St.-Petri-Kirche is not just a place of worship; it is a testament to the architectural and historical evolution of Westerstede. Visitors are invited to explore its rich history, marvel at its architectural details, and appreciate the art and music that have been integral to its story for nearly 900 years. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, St.-Petri-Kirche promises a memorable and enriching experience.