St. James’ Church

St. James’ Church is one of the five principal churches of Hamburg. In 1529, it became a Lutheran church. It is located directly in the city centre and has a 125 m tall tower. It is dedicated to St James the Greater and often incorrectly referred to in English as St Jacob’s. From 1806 to 1813, when Hamburg was occupied by Napoleonic troops, the church was used mainly as stables. The second tower, erected in 1826/27 after the previous one had become dilapidated, was destroyed in 1944, along with the rest of the church building, by bombing during World War II. Only the historic interior furnishings were saved. It was not until 1963 that St. James’ re-emerged, built to the medieval design, albeit with a modern spire. The famous Arp Schnitger organ of 1693 in the west gallery, with 60 registers and around 4000 pipes, is the largest baroque organ in Northern Europe. From 1989 to 1993, the organ was completely restored, and since its rededication at Easter 1993 it can be heard every Sunday during services. The 34 pictures in the organ gallery are the works of Otto Wagenfeldt and Joachim Lundt. They were created to portray the Bible in illustrations which everyone could appreciate and understand. Also worthy of notice is the Ministers’ Room, which originally served as a library.