The little church (Lutheran)

Built around 1470 in the historic city centre of Burgsteinfurt, Kirchstraße 10 Simple late Gothic hall structure

The Little Church was built between 1471 and 1477 on the site of a former knight's residence. Since then it has functioned as the municipal church, while the Great Church is the religious focus of the surrounding hamlets. Until 1807, city council elections took place in the Little Church, as did the mayoral elections.

The facade of this simple late Gothic single aisle hall structure, with 5/8-Schluss (proportions?), is not only unusual but also unique in this region. The two buttresses are brought together in a pointed arch at the gable and support a small octagonal tower clad in sandstone panels. In tribute to the structure's original condition, the facade was plastered during the most recent renovation in 1985, in order to protect it from further erosion due to environmental factors. The building was completely burnt down following a bomb attack in the dying days of WWII, and was rebuilt during the 1950s. During these renovation works a new cross-ribbed vault was installed using pumice stone; its ribs are made of trass stone and are supported by buttresses on the exterior walls. On the north side, the first buttress is connected to a small tower containing the stairs leading to the belfry.

Although the original cross vault dates back to the Gothic era, a flat ceiling was erected during in the 15th century. During the 19th century, the ceiling consisted of a timber barrel vault. After 1945, based on the original findings, cross-square ribbed vaults were keyed in and placed on consoles. In accordance with the instructions issued by the state conservation office, the gallery which had existed prior to 1945 was not included when rebuilding the church. In addition, the pulpit, which used to be in the centre behind the altar, was moved to the side.

The large windows, which provide welcome light to the interior, are decorated with Fischblasenmaßwerk. One of the windows contains the coloured coat of arms of the Prince, who is still the church's patron. The window behind the altar has an inlaid glass cross in memory of displaced ethnic Germans who moved to the area after 1945.

Beneath this window, at the church's exterior, is a memorial stone in memory of Pastor Speckmann, who worked in Burgsteinfurt during the 17th century and helped many members of the parish during a plague epidemic.