Thommen

Although almost nothing is known about its early construction history, experts consider the church in Thommen to be one of the oldest in the entire region. The place is mentioned as early as 814 in a document from Stablo-Malmedy Abbey, and two years later in a restitution from Louis the Pious to the monks of Prüm. The donation of the royal court to the Marienstift in Aachen was confirmed by the kings from 888 until the 13th century.

The parish priest of the church, whose ownership was confirmed by three popes, was a Br. Fredericus, who apparently belonged to Stablo-Malmedy Abbey. The church is not mentioned until 1471, when its tower collapsed. It is not known whether a new building was erected to form the core of today’s complex. Only at the end of the 18th century did a fire result in some alterations. Similar to many East Belgian churches, the von Thommen was in an alarmingly poor condition at the beginning of the 20th century. During the extensive extension based on plans by Dortmund architect J.F. Klomp, the old late Gothic structure was retained, but in a transverse direction. The old choir became the sacristy and baptistery; the windows were only replaced on the south side, where a new entrance hall was also created.

Of the former furnishings, the image of the Coronation of Mary remains at the center of the 17th century high altar. The patron saint St. Remaklus is depicted several times, whose presence refers to the old relationship with Stablo-Malmedy Abbey. The right side altar depicts the martyrdom of St. Sebastian, the patron saint of the shooting fraternities. Both saints can also be seen on the newer windows by Romainville (1963), Atelier Osterrath, next to the entrance hall. The pulpit from 1660 is a masterpiece, comparable to Amel. The left side altar is dedicated to St. Dominic, the founder of the Order of Preachers.

The impressive baptismal font dates back to the 11th-12th century, the unknown early period of the church.

Source: Churches and chapels in East Belgium by Freddy Derwahl and Johannes Weber