St. Marien, Modern Catholic church in Wilhelmshaven, Germany
St. Marien is a modern Catholic church featuring a distinctive roof made of fourteen curved concrete tubes supported by fifteen concrete pillars. White-painted concrete walls combine with red brick surfaces, and the interior accommodates about 320 worshippers arranged in two seating sections separated by a central aisle.
The original church was destroyed during the Second World War in 1944, after which the congregation worshipped in a temporary structure. The present building was constructed in the postwar years and consecrated in 1956.
The name St. Marien reflects the veneration of Mary central to the Catholic faith practiced here. Visitors can see the church serving as a gathering place where the local community comes together for services and spiritual life.
The church houses an organ built in 1969 with 18 stops operated by mechanical action, adding to the acoustic experience inside. The two separate seating areas are clearly defined and offer good sightlines throughout the worship space.
The 1969 organ includes a specialized windchest configuration designed specifically for this modern building. This technical solution was an unusual choice for the period and reflects thoughtful planning of the acoustic space.
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