St. Catherine's Church, Hamburg

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St. Katharinen (St Catherine's Church) is one of the five principal Protestant churches (Hauptkirchen) of Hamburg, Germany. The base of its spire, dating from the 13th century, is the oldest building preserved in the city. It is situated on an island near what was formerly the southern boundary of the medieval city, opposite the historic harbour area on the Elbe river. It traditionally served as the church of the seamen.

[edit] History

The earliest attestation to the existence of the church dates back to 1256. The main body, consisting of a triple nave, was rebuilt during the mid-15th century in the north German Brick Gothic style. In 1657 a Baroque rooftop was added to the spire, which thus reached a height of 115 meters. The church was heavily damaged in an air-raid during World War II, on 30th July 1943. It left only the outer walls and the base of the spire standing. The building was restored between 1950 and 1957.

The Church has had a number of famous organists and composers who were either employed or played the Organ there. The Church had an organ as early as the late fifteenth century but it was replaced by a new organ built by Hans Stellwagen. This large organ was re-built in 1670 and was repaired by Johann Friederich Besser at which time Johann Mattheson provided a stoplist of its ranks; some 58 stops and approximately 88 ranks (which was at that time may have made it the the largest organ in the world) disposed over 4 manuals and pedals. Among the Organists who played here were Johann Adam Reinken, who was organist there for more than forty years, and Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach first visited the church in the summer of 1701 and played here again in October/November 1720 when he auditioned for the post of Organist at the nearby Jacobikirche. Bach greatly admired this Organ, which featured two 32' ranks in the pedal with four 16' ranks on the Hauptwerk (or Great) division and 16 diagonal shoe bellows to supply the wind to the intstruments windchests. Repairs were made in 1742 and a new lavishly carved decorated case was built; it was adorned with gold guilding and cherubs along with statues of angels playing trumpets. The Organ and its case though were destroyed during bombing of Hamburg during the Second World War.

Famous pastors have included Joachim Westphal and Philipp Nicolai.

Coordinates: 53°32′45″N, 9°59′39″E