christ catholic church St. Leodegar

St. Leodegar Christ Catholic Church (Christkatholische Kirche St. Leodegar) sits in Möhlin, in the Swiss canton of Aargau, on the street called Kirchsteig. It occupies a prominent raised spot at the edge of a terrace, so it stands out above the surrounding village. It is the parish church of the Christ Catholic (Old Catholic) community, one of Switzerland's smaller denominations, and one of the oldest religious sites in Möhlin.

What is the history of the church?

Christian roots at this site go back to around the year 600, and a church is first documented in 794. The bell tower was renewed in 1398. The nave and choir took their present form in a rebuilding of 1607, which kept the older tower. In 1634, during the Thirty Years' War, Swedish troops devastated the building, and the restoration gave the interior a Baroque look.

Why is it Old Catholic?

In 1872 the Möhlin parish assembly rejected the dogmas of the First Vatican Council, and in 1875 the congregation joined the newly formed Christ Catholic diocese. Those who stayed loyal to Rome founded their own parish in 1880, which today has a separate church, also named after St. Leodegar. The two are easy to confuse, so look for the Kirchsteig address.

What will you see?

After the Christ Catholics took over the church (1880/81), a thorough renovation in a neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic spirit followed, planned by Rothpletz. In 1953-54 Walter Kamber carried out another full restoration, which uncovered painted decoration on the ceiling. Work in 1982-83 and 1986-87 also brought a new organ by Armin Hauser. Walk around the exterior and note how the medieval tower meets a nave from the early 17th century. The building is listed in the Aargau cantonal heritage inventory.

How do you get there, and when should you go?

Möhlin lies in the north of the canton, near the Rhine and the German border, close to Rheinfelden. The church is at roughly 47.558 N, 7.841 E. The easiest approach is on foot from the village centre toward Kirchsteig. The interior is typically open during services and parish events, so check the parish website for visiting hours. Daylight is best for seeing the hilltop setting and the building's outline.

Frequently asked questions

Is St. Leodegar in Möhlin a Roman Catholic church?

Möhlin has two churches with this name. The one on Kirchsteig belongs to the Christ Catholic (Old Catholic) community, and the other to the Roman Catholic parish.

How old is the building?

The first mention of a church dates from 794, the tower from 1398, and the present nave and choir from the rebuilding of 1607.

Is it a protected monument?

Yes, it appears in the Aargau heritage protection inventory (Denkmalschutzinventar).

Is there an entrance fee?

No admission fee information is available. Contact the parish about opening hours before your visit.