Sacred Heart Church, Catholic church in Herne-Mitte, Germany.
Sacred Heart Church is a neo-Gothic basilica designed by Johannes Franziskus Klomp, built from 1904 to 1906. Its exterior is clad in Ibbenbüren sandstone over a brick inner shell, with two towers: the north tower carries a clock and green copper spire, while the south tower lost its helm in 1943 and is topped by a cross. The interior has star vaults over the crossing and choir, net vaults elsewhere, and seats about 900 people.
The parish was carved out of St. Bonifatius on 1 January 1910. The foundation stone was laid on 30 September 1904 by Bishop Wilhelm Schneider, and the church was consecrated on 28 September 1908. Bombing on 26 June 1943 destroyed the south tower's helm, which was never rebuilt, and a 1944 air mine tore out the west rose window. Reconstruction lasted until 1948/49.
The church serves as a gathering place for Catholics in Herne-Mitte to celebrate religious occasions and attend regular services. It functions as a social hub where residents come together for important moments in the community's spiritual life.
The church is oriented east, with the polygonal apse at the east end and the main portal facing west. The south tower lost its spire in a 1943 fire and remains without a helm, so the two towers look different. The building holds about 900 people.
The south tower lost its spire after a firebomb hit on 26 June 1943 and was never rebuilt, so the two towers differ in height. A 1944 air mine in front of the main portal tore out the pointed-arch rose window, which has never been restored.
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