Old church St. Martin in Langerwehe

image author: Sascha Carlitz, Langerwehe

A parish priest on the Rymels Hill was mentioned for the first time in the year 1157. The church's foundation may have been laid around this time but a great deal points to an even earlier cult site on the Rymels Hill. The building was rebuilt as a Gothic hall church in 1485. In the years 1543, 1586, around ca. 1640 and in 1690 the church destroyed again and again through acts of war and in 1846 a stroke of lightning destroyed the original spire hood. In 1907 then followed the relocation with the complete inventory to the new parish church, which is located in the village centre of Langerwehe. A club founded 1923-1935 prevented the old church St. Martin to fall into disrepair. In November 1944 the church was again badly damaged. The rebuilding started only in 1949.

image author: Sascha Carlitz, Langerwehe

In 1957 a new club was founded to conserve the old church. Renovation work continues still today. Due to the multiple destruction the interior is a mix of old and new. Many object in the old church were crafted by the artist Karl-Manfred Rennertz who stems from Langerwehe. In summer 1960 thirteen modern glass windows were put, which were created by the painter Hermann Gottfried. Unfortunately they were destroyed through vandalism in October 1974. Through photos and remnants and with the help of donations one was able to restore these windows. In 1999-2000 they were put in again. The old church St. Martin lives because it is a place of liturgy, meeting and is a memorial for peace. Concerts, exhibitions and other events take place here.