Brilon celebrates: Evangelical town church open again after renovation!

Brilon celebrates: Evangelical town church open again after renovation!

The Evangelical City Church in Brilon has finally opened its doors again after three challenging years. This reopening marks a significant step for the community after the church was forced to close due to mold growth and suspected construction defects. Superintendent Dr. Manuel Schilling expressed his joy at the reopening and emphasized how important the city church is for the community. In his sermon on Trinity Sunday, he spoke about the elements of the Trinity reflected in the architectural design of the church. The church has been a central place of faith since it was built in 1856 and has been a listed building since 1976. Sauerlandkurier reports that Mayor Dr. Christof Bartsch described the closure as a “punch in the stomach” and pointed out the cultural significance of the church for the city.

The renovation of the town church was not easy. The church had to be reopened in December 2023, but traces of mold were discovered again in May 2024, which prompted the church to be closed again. Mold is a growing problem in many churches in Germany, including the Brilon town church. Affected areas often include organs, paintings and even the church pews. Katholisch.de emphasizes that the causes of mold infestation often lie in unfavorable heating behavior and insufficient air circulation. The fear of further damage is not entirely unjustified even after the reopening.

Design and technology of the church

Particular attention is paid to the simple interior design of the church. The interior features a simple wooden cross and a round altar stone, while the round windows are reminiscent of the Holy Spirit. For the acoustics, the organ was modeled on the design of an Italian Renaissance palace or an ancient temple. The seating structure encourages active community interaction and supports the community.

Prevention and challenges

The church in Brilon is not the only one suffering from the consequences of mold. In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in mold infestation in church buildings. Risks arise from insufficient heating and the associated formation of condensation. Old church walls are often particularly susceptible, as sealing measures can make them more susceptible to mold. MyHeimat points out that preventive measures are cheaper than subsequent maintenance. Therefore, targeted training of sextons and church musicians is required in order to optimize the conditions.

The opening of the Evangelical City Church in Brilon is a ray of hope, even if the repair work outside is still ongoing. It remains to be hoped that the church not only serves as a spiritual space, but also remains a place of community and exchange in Brilon.