Today's Münster churches come to you with a very special twist! It so happens that 'M', Philine's best friend in Münster, joined us on Saturday (back on February 8th) to show us some masterpieces of her father's handiwork in stained glass and mosaics.
First of all, let me introduce you to Ludwig Baur:
August 26, 1904 - September 8, 1977 (with further bio)
He was a devote catholic who dedicated his life to his art.
Lucky for us, we got to visit 3 churches where we viewed his craftsmanship.
We drove first to the Catholic Church of St. Joseph, built in 1894.
See the glass work with only hints of color? It's his work, all of it, from 1950.
(the details are explained here)
But it's the Madonna and Child alcove that set this church apart for me.
His mosaic work is intricate and colorful, with doves of peace flying overhead.
A huge pillar stands nearby with these 2 guardians.
I so wanted to know what they were there for!
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
From St. Joseph's we drove to the Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit, built in 1928.
There was actually a contest for the architectural design as well as for the interior glass and art.
Guess who won the contest for the latter!
(the details are explained here)
Can you imagine looking at this scene above the altar each Sunday!
'M' used her trusty book to describe everything to us.
She was so calm, cool and collected. I would have been popping my buttons with pride!
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
From that point we drove 10km outside of Münster, to Telgte, where 'M' grew up with her parents and 2 siblings. It's a town of just under 20K inhabitants, best known for its annual pilgrimage dedicated to the Black Madonna, the Blessed Virgin Mary. It's Germany's second largest pilgrimage.
We were in for a real treat!
As we entered the town from the parking lot, we passed this mosaic marker.
Guess who did the mosaic work!
(Pay attention to the Black Madonna and the Chapel, coming up.)
But first things first. It was time for lunch...at the Alter Gasthof Seiling.
If you want real German food, that's the place to eat, 'M' said.
And because it was right there on the town square, we walked around afterwards.
Did you ever hear about the town crier...and about not looking a gift-horse in the mouth?
And see that delightful Markt Café (top-left)?
(hold that thought....
...while we first check out the markers all over the square's coblestones)
That's where we had koffie to follow up our real German lunch!
Yes, we ate lunch in one place and then walked across the square for koffie and dessert.
Don't you love how the Europeans do these things!
THEN we were ready to see the Chapel of the Black Madonna (Gnadenkapelle).
This chapel, at the doorstep of the St. Clemens church, was built expressly for her in 1654.
Small. Intimate. Cozy. Built for the pilgrimage.
This Sorrowful Mother (Black Madonna) is from 1370,
connected to Mother Earth and the ancient goddesses.
Right next door is the Catholic Church of St. Clemens, built in 1522 on the River Ems.
(you can see how close it is to the chapel in the top-right image above)
Everything means something with these churches, of course.
It would take a lot of digging to unearth it all, I'm sure.
But THIS is what we were there to see. The stained-glass masterpeices of Lugwig Baur from 1947-52!
Those right-bottom images are for separate municipalities in the area.
Only the bottom-center tower window is not his, from 1878.
(the details are explained here)
Another magnificent church made special because of a personal connection!
And since we were right there, we walked across the street to see the River Ems
and Dümmert Park on the other side of the bridge...with LOVE PADLOCKS!
"Thanks for 40 years." Isn't that sweet!
Walking through the park on our way back to the car, we saw the fish dams
and the statue of the Judas Kiss....and the new crocusses starting to bloom.
Back at the parking lot, who could miss this work of art! Bucheum:
It apparently drives around Münsterland with fairy tales and stories for children of all ages.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Later that evening, after we all had a rest, we drove over to 'M's lovely home...
...for a "lite" supper and fellowship that took us long into the evening.
And while we had dined with her there 3+ years before, this was different.
This was the pure cementing of a friend for life, made more special because of her father!
'M' is one year my senior. We could be sisters. We ARE sisters.
And now I know for sure our dads would just love getting to know each other!
My dad, the Preacher.
Her dad, the Church Painter.
Oh, and Astrid's dad, the Trumpeter/Musician.
(you can see how close it is to the chapel in the top-right image above)
It would take a lot of digging to unearth it all, I'm sure.
Those right-bottom images are for separate municipalities in the area.
Only the bottom-center tower window is not his, from 1878.
(the details are explained here)
and Dümmert Park on the other side of the bridge...with LOVE PADLOCKS!
"Thanks for 40 years." Isn't that sweet!
and the statue of the Judas Kiss....and the new crocusses starting to bloom.
It apparently drives around Münsterland with fairy tales and stories for children of all ages.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
And while we had dined with her there 3+ years before, this was different.
This was the pure cementing of a friend for life, made more special because of her father!
'M' is one year my senior. We could be sisters. We ARE sisters.
And now I know for sure our dads would just love getting to know each other!
My dad, the Preacher.
Her dad, the Church Painter.
Oh, and Astrid's dad, the Trumpeter/Musician.
This was a special day, to see the art and creativity of a very gifted man. It was wonderful to see the stained glass and the mosaic work. I think you look at things different when you know the creator or the family of the creator.
ReplyDeleteIt was a great day, the pictures proof that even when it rains, we have a great time. To visit this time of year has the advantage of NO leaves on the trees, so much more to see.
These pictures show the great time we had as dear friends, a friendship that will last.
Yes, to everything. A gifted man, how much more meaningful it is when you are "connected," more to see during this time of the year without leaves, a friendship that will last with both of our new sisters. All of it. We are very rich!
DeleteEvery time I come to "in soul" I'm in awe of what you two discover, both places and people! Thanks so much for always sharing your adventures!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Robin, because we often pinch ourselves. There is so much at our fingertips here and we don't want to miss any of it! Thank you for stopping by all the time to see what we're up to.
DeleteWhat a wonderful collection of photos referring to our visits in Münster and Telgte! And what a great religious artist! I knew only a few stained glass windows, paintings and sculptures by him, and now we discovered so many beautiful artworks by Ludwig Baur guided by his daughter and our friend Mechtild. Telgte is a place where you can always feel the pious, religious atmosphere. I think we forgot almost the rain on this day when we entered the churches and -afterwards- when we enjoyed our lunch and koffie. I admire the work, carefulness and devotion/Hingabe (in German) Ginnie has shown in this collection. Many, many thanks, dear Ginnie, for this homage to the artist Ludwig Baur - and to Mechtild herself who was a wonderful guide and host.
ReplyDeleteYou couldn't have left a better comment, Philine!!! Thank you for BEING there with us and helping to make it all possible. This is our second time to meet Mechtild, thanks to you. Next time maybe she will come with you here to Gorinchem. THAT will be a wonderful day, showing you around HERE.
DeleteWhat a special experience, Ginnie! I love the Church of the Holy Spirit (Heiliggeistkirche?) - but even more I love the food and the cafe! Oh, how lovely!!! And what a special guide you had in "M" - I don't know, why do I have to think of James Bond here?
ReplyDeleteJames Bond! And to think Astrid and I just watched "Skyfall" on TV last night. How did you know. HA! I know you must have special pride whenever we're in Germany and can show you parts of your own country. I know you miss it. You can be very proud of your great country. We feel so lucky to have it as our neighbor!
Deletethese churches are museums. how incredible all the artistry in every detailing.
ReplyDeleteThese churches are OUR museums, for sure, Maria! But you already know that. :)
DeleteYou know I appreciate seeing all the wonderful work in this post. Very nice post about M too, such a treasure she holds.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary. Everything we saw was more special because of M. We saw everything with new eyes. Don't you love how that happens!
DeleteHow incredible this is, all in one spot (the post, I mean). It's as wonderful to feel your excitement and wonder as it is to see all these beautiful windows, mosaics and share such special friendships. It is just so great that you are documenting and sharing these [infinite] details!
ReplyDeleteIt makes my posts long, Ruth, to put them "all in one spot," but then, it also keeps eveything together, which is sometimes the point! :) Thank you for sharing this journey with us. We are so lucky to live where we do, so close by the things and people who are important to us. Of course, that means we're not near the OTHERS, like you, who are important to us...which is why the sharing becomes more important. So thank you, again and again.
DeleteHow I miss being able to do this.. Been thinking about you both although not present blogging..
ReplyDeleteYour life took a turn for something much more domestic, Jen. One day, your day will come again to do the traveling you want. Just think of all those memories you have from such a young age in the meantime. Remember, I've been in my 60s throughout this blog!
DeleteI have enjoyed seeing the churches..they are quite different than many I have seen...just lovely and again that food makes me hungry...love good German food!
ReplyDeleteAs you can see, Donna, I LOVE European churches because I didn't grow up around anything like them at all. They are like museums to me, to be honest! And yes, what is it about good German food, too! HA.
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