Schimmelkirche / Molmecker Kirche, Germany

Schimmelkirche, or Molmecker Kirche, is a neo-Gothic church in Germany. The red brick bell tower rises above the valley, its once prominent silhouette increasingly blurred by the encroachment of trees. Schimmelkirche, or Mould Church, is plagued by a catastrophic biological colonisation. Black mould covers almost the entire interior.

I have visited this church a few times, during the 2021 Germany Tour and again during the 2023 Germany Tour. Inside is beautiful, a huge space with a gorgeous vaulted ceiling with wooden beams partially supported by wooden columns that line the nave. Above the altar in wonderful old-fashioned German script reads “Ich bin der Weg, die Wahrheit und das Leben”. In English, “I am the way, the truth and the life.”

In a vestibule near the entrance is a very old “Wandkarte zur biblischen Geschichte”; a wall map for biblical history. Teachers used this large classroom-style map for teaching Bible history. Focused on Palestine and the Near East and displaying places, regions, and routes tied to biblical narratives.

History of Schimmelkirche / Molmecker Kirche

The church, built in the 1890s, was designed by a prominent architect from Saxony. The opening was a significant local event, a celebration lasting three days and involving the entire village.

During its peak years, Schimmelkirche was the focal point of the village’s social and spiritual life. Post-reunification changes in local demographics seemingly led to a decline in attendance. The congregation officially dissolved in the 1990s, and a neighbouring parish absorbed its members. The building formally closed shortly after, coincidentally exactly a century after its inauguration. Since then, it has remained derelict and fallen into disrepair.

Lack of heating and ventilation allowed black mould to thrive. Recent reports indicate that the growth affects approximately 90 per cent of the interior surfaces.

An uncertain future for this German neo-Gothic church

Over the years, there have been various proposals for reuse of the Schimmelkirche. These range from a kindergarten to a restaurant. Restoration estimates are around 1.5 million Euro. The high cost of the renovation and the severity of the mould infestation have led to repeated discussions regarding demolition, though the structure still seemingly stands.

Despite the decay, a 17-year-old organist recently rescued the church organ. Workers removed the still-functioning instrument for restoration. At least one part of the church’s heritage will survive the damp.