King of the alumni crowned: Kolping family celebration in Warendorf!

King of the alumni crowned: Kolping family celebration in Warendorf!

On October 28, 2025, the former kings, queens, emperors and empresses of the Warendorf Kolping family gathered for a special event: the competition for the title “King of the Formers”. In a lively atmosphere, the participants fought for the prestigious insignia that stands for their achievements and commitment within the Kolping family.

Particularly outstanding was Anne Fährenkämper, who brilliantly secured the title “King of the Alumni”. This prestigious title is not simply awarded, but consists of a series of competitions in which members must demonstrate their skills. The insignia also found its champions: Martin Hülsmann won the crown, Martin Heseker secured the scepter and Jürgen Arendt won the apple. Bernhard Blanke was chosen as another winner among the prince consorts. These successes were duly celebrated and the evening ended in a convivial atmosphere with delicious food and refreshing drinks.

Tradition and community

The roots of the Warendorf Kolping family go back deep into history. The “Catholic Journeymen's Association of Warendorf” was founded on January 30, 1853 by a group of 18 citizens and is one of the oldest associations of its kind in Münsterland. In its early years the club was visited by personalities such as Adolph Kolping, who visited no less than twice between 1854 and 1855. Under his aegis, the first journeyman's house was built in Warendorf, which was inaugurated in 1864.

The club's eventful history is characterized by ups and downs. During the First World War, club life came to a complete standstill, and the club was also brought into line during the Nazi era. But after the war the association remained in existence, and the first meeting after the difficult years took place in December 1945. In the following decades, the association opened up to women and young people, which led to a broad membership base.

The legacy of Adolph Kolping

Adolph Kolping, who emphasized the founding of journeymen's associations from 1846 until his death, left a lasting impression not only in Warendorf. During this time, over 400 journeymen's associations emerged throughout Germany and quickly networked. The first clubs from Elberfeld, Cologne and Düsseldorf merged in 1850 to form the “Rhenish Journeymen’s Association”, which later became known as the “Catholic Journeymen’s Association”. With the purchase of the first journeyman's house in Cologne in 1852, Kolping also laid the foundation for a sustainable community that still exists today.

At a time when the values ​​of community and togetherness are very important, it becomes clear that the Kolping Family is more than just an association. It embodies tradition, cohesion and commitment to education and charitable causes, which is reflected in the diverse activities carried out over the years.

The renewals in club life and the memory of good times were also expressed during the meeting, where Claudia Blanke and Franz-Josef Hälker awarded the order “Queen of Kings” to Anne Fährenkämper. An evening that not only offered competition, but also many shared memories of previous summer festivals and intensified the feeling of community and connection.

The Warendorf Kolping Family remains an outstanding example of lived values ​​and traditions that have a lasting impact on social life in the region. Anyone who is interested in the history and current activities of the association can find out more on the Kolping Family website and in the Warendorf District Archives.

For more information about the beginnings of the Kolping family, you can visit derspoekenkieker.de, as well as kreis-warendorf.de and kolping.de.