Laurentius Church in Ahrweiler: Renewed after flood and reopened!

Laurentius Church in Ahrweiler: Renewed after flood and reopened!

In the picturesque Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler is the Laurentius Church, an impressive building with more than 750 years of history. This oldest Gothic hall church in the Rhineland has regained its splendor after the devastating flood in July 2021. The condition after the flood was catastrophic: the water was over a meter high inside the church, and Pastor Jörg Meyrer described the situation as “bad,” with scattered pews and other debris dominating the image. Today, August 10, 2025, the church will be ceremoniously reopened after extensive renovation work. Nachrichtenleicht reports that the renovation includes not only a new floor and new pews, but also a new altar that touches the hearts of the congregation.

A well-attended service took place at the opening, at which Bishop Stephan Ackermann von Trier gave the sermon. He emphasized the return of Saint Lawrence Church to the people of the community who are seeking comfort and hope after difficult years of loss and pain. “The new altar, which features two carved lines - one showing the height of the water, the other symbolizing a wave - is a strong symbol of overcoming the floods,” he added. The altar received a special honor by including the relics of the beatified people Peter Friedhofen and Blandine Merten. Domradio further reports that the reopening day also gives cause for celebration and hope, despite the ongoing sadness among the people.

Hope and sadness

The flood disaster not only affected the church, but the entire Ahr valley. On the night of the flood, 135 people died and numerous church buildings were damaged. In the Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler parish in particular, five churches and chapels were affected. The reports of pain from the affected community are still felt today; many continue to suffer from the memories of that terrible night. Arno-Lutz Henkel, a cooperator in the parish community, emphasizes the willingness to help and the solidarity of the people, who form a strong community despite the adversities.

Another source of comfort is the prayer niche in the Laurentius Church, which has become a place of prayer for those affected and helpers since the night of the flood. On the outside wall is the cry “Lord help!” from the mud of the flood the deep wounds left by the catastrophe. The container for pastoral care in front of the shopping center also became an important offer of help. Katholisch.de reports that this weekly place, where pastoral care is offered, supports people in their grief and worries.

A new beginning

The Laurentius Church now stands as a symbol of a new beginning, not just for itself, but for the entire community. Despite the wounds left by the flood, the parish continues to work on its mission to provide comfort and hope. The church is once again a place of gathering, prayer and communal strength. The renovation not only physically renewed the church; it now also offers the space in which people can share their grief and find new hope. Pastor Meyrer puts it well: “A great work has been accomplished.”