Zum Heiligen Geist
Catholic church in Cologne's Zollstock district, known for its landmark bell tower housing five bells.
The parish emerged in the late 1920s as Zollstock's population grew rapidly, prompting a split from the older St. Pius parish in the district's southern part.
Source: Wikipedia
At a Glance
- Type
- Roman Catholic church
- Location
- Zollstock district, Rodenkirchen borough (Cologne)
- Built
- 1931
- Named after
- The Holy Spirit
- Tower
- Landmark bell tower shaping the local skyline
- Organ
- 18 stops across two manuals and pedal (1960)
The church was heavily damaged in World War II and had to be rebuilt in 1950 and further extended in 1957, only receiving an organ in 1960 and its final five-bell chime in 1965 – more than 30 years after its consecration.
History
On 8 December 1931, the rectory parish of Zum Heiligen Geist was formally separated from St. Pius. The building contract, based on designs by Cologne architects Pasman and Bonnan, went to the local firm Fuchs & Becker at the start of that year. Construction began in April, and on 7 June 1931 city dean Löbbel laid the foundation stone, set into the north wall of the choir. Auxiliary Bishop Wilhelm Stockums consecrated the church on 16 May 1932, enclosing the relics of the martyrs Auxilius and Eutropius within the altar.
Destruction and Reconstruction
The church suffered severe damage from bombing raids during the Second World War. Under civil engineer Jakob Langenhövel, reconstruction was completed by the end of 1950, marked by a solemn pontifical mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ferche. A further extension designed by Karl Band followed in 1957, again celebrated with a pontifical mass led by Bishop Ferche.
Bells
Five bells hang in the tower, consecrated on 30 May 1965. Each carries its own name and weight: the Holy Spirit bell at 1,500 kg, the Marian bell at 1,000 kg, the Charles Borromeo bell at 570 kg, the Pope John XXIII bell at 400 kg, and the Holy Angels bell at 180 kg. All were cast by the Petit & Gebr. Edelbrock bell foundry.
Organ
Built by Rieger Orgelbau, the organ was consecrated on 30 October 1960, with cathedral organist Josef Zimmermann performing its inaugural recital. The instrument features 18 stops across two manuals and pedal, with mechanical action and slider chests.
Furnishings
Sculptor Norbert Perseke of Aachen created the Pietà in the day chapel, along with the lamps, candlesticks, and lectern.
Timeline
- 1931Rectory parish Zum Heiligen Geist separated from St. Pius (8 December)
- 1931Construction began in April, foundation stone laid by dean Löbbel on 7 June
- 1932Church consecrated by auxiliary bishop Wilhelm Stockums on 16 May
- 1950Reconstruction after war damage completed at year's end
- 1957Further extension based on Karl Band's designs celebrated
- 1960Rieger organ consecrated on 30 October
- 1965Five bells consecrated on 30 May
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Sources & links
Auto-generated, last verified: 2026-09-03
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