Église de Baldenheim

The Reformation was introduced in 1576 by the Counts of Rathsamhausen, with the demand of the Count of Hanau-Lichtenberg.
Baldenheim, Muttersholtz and schedules of Ehnwihr Rathsamhausen and villages became Protestants. The first pastors were appointed and paid by the abbey Ebersmunster. Catholic worship was reintroduced in 1687 and soon Muttersholtz in Baldenheim 1749, despite strong opposition from Protestants. The simultaneum bring a crisis in religious Baldenheim in 1843. Catholics built their own church in 1892 and 1938 in Muttersholtz Baldenheim. In 1GE century, the two municipalities have experienced significant population growth through industrial development. In Baldenheim, 320 looms were installed in 23 years. In 1851 there were 2359 Muttersholtz inhabitants: 1 650 Protestants, 388 Catholics and 321 Jews. Baldenheim had 1040 inhabitants: 890 Protestants and 150 Catholics. The Jewish community of Muttersholtz had a matzo factory and a large synagogue that was converted into a gym after the last war.

The Church of Baldenheim is a real jewel. This historic church has experienced a significant architectural evolution. The first dates from the 11th or 12th century. The choir's original square was separated from the nave rectangular Romanesque style, with a triumphal arch still exists. It was probably built in the 14th century fortified tower and later replaced the roof of the tower by an arrow. In the Gothic period, the nave was enlarged and new windows were opened. The chancel was extended by a polygonal sanctuary and the whole rib-vaulted. At the Reformation, was built a platform and covered the walls and arches of a white limewash, soberly decorated with yellow and blue stars. The significant work undertaken in 1992 led to the discovery of new graves and especially the frescoes of exceptional quality. The painted decoration of the nave depict scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin alternating with the lives of saints. The arch offers an impressive scene of the Last Judgement. In the choir appear evangelists, the characters of the Old Testament, angels, apostles and other reasons that appear to be exact copies of the engravings of Martin Schongauer. The careful restoration, completed in 1993, has identified and return of medieval paintings remarkable and unique in Alsace (leaflet available on site).

The church was restored in Muttersholtz 1989. The bell tower of the 13th century is oddly inserted between the polygonal choir of the 15th century and the Baroque nave, rebuilt in 1733. The coats of arms of families of Rathsamhausen Huss and adorn the keystones of the choir. During the Revolution, one of the two bells were requisitioned. Sixty years later, the company Edel melted the bell and the other has been converted into two smaller bells.