Warnemünde Church is a neogothic building in Warnemünde, which is a part of the hanseatic city of Rostock. Construction of the current brick building began in 1866 and the church was consecrated in 1871. The church of Warnemünde stands for over one hundred years in the middle of the town and is the center of the Evangelical Lutheran congregation. For the community along with many guests it is a place of rest and prayer. But it has also even given protection from flooding. The maritime atmosphere is shown by the special votive ships inside.
History
The old church, which burned down twice, stood on the Warnow riverside for around 600 years and was demolished, after completion of the new church, in 1872. The construction of the new church began in 1866 on the western side of the old fisherman's village, and it was ready in 1871 the church. The new building, designed by architect, Krueger of Schwerin, and built by master builder Wachenhusen of Rostock, was erected on the western outskirts of the settlement, but nowadays is the centre of the town. The church therefore is in fact relatively young, but decorated with major furnishings that were inherited from the earlier building. Originally three narrow lancet windows were planned for the transept facades. But the principal, Frederick Francis II, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg, patron of Warnemünde Church insisted that a single large window would be much more appropriate; the architects designed the rose windows, which can still be seen today.
Furnishings
Altar
The Gothic carved altar from around 1475 – rumours say it was taken from a shipwreck – is the work of an unknown master from Gdańsk. It was restored in 2010. In the central shrine the figures are next to and behind each other in an odd way, without being connected by a common theme as was usual at that time. A pillar in the middle divides them into two groups. In the front row on the left the Saviour blessing, St. George, St. Nicholas (probably) and John the Baptist can be seen. Behind it Saint Maurice as a Moor, St. Gregory as pope and a bishop (perhaps the St. Erasmus). In the front row on the right there are Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene with ointment jar (or is it the St. Barbara with her tower ?), St. Catherine with the wheel and sword and St. Dorothea with roses and the cup. Behind them are seen three crowned female saints, of which only the St. Agnes with the lamb can be determined. In the right wing one can see five Acts: of which Paul and James the Elder are pilgrims, Judas Thaddeus with club and two female saints, including St. Elizabeth recognizable on the pitcher and the plate. Below is a deacon, probably the St. Lawrence. In the left wing are the other seven apostles and St. Stephen with three stones in the arm. Of the apostles only the four top can be determined: Peter, Andrew, John and Bartholomew. On the predella above the table are in the middle: Christ crowned with thorns, right the St. Elizabeth and Mary Magdalene, left St. Agnes and St. Barbara with a chalice. The crucifix in front of the altarpiece is the oldest art work in the church. It was created in the first third of the 15th century and was already in the same spot in the old fishermen's church.
Pulpit
The renaissance pulpit was built in 1591 by local wood carver Hans Wegner. After the demolition of the old church in 1872 the pulpit was given to the Rostock Museum, restored and completed in 1965, and replaced in the church.
Saint Christopher
From around the same time as the altar is the statue of Saint Christopher (Greek: christos pherein, "Christ bearer") with the Christ child on his shoulder. This portrait was traditionally adored with special affection by the Warnemünder: This saint found his life's mission in helping people overcoming waters, an activity that was also a business of the local fishermen. The figure is made of oak and is 3.72 meters high. In the old church it had its place on the northern wall of the choir, under the Arc de Triomphe. In 2007 the statue was restored. The name of this saint is often seen in public life: For example, the rescue helicopters in Germany, have the radio call Christopher. The Warnemünde church mouse is named Christopher and knows as a "mouse" how to teach the children pieces of information in the community newsletter.