History of the church
The oldest surviving document reporting the existence of a church in Referinghausen dates back to 1526.
In 1781, it fell victim to the great village fire. 16 years later, the population was once again able to go to their own place of worship.
After the Second World War, an extension was added to the west in 1948 and a large bell tower was built in front. An ancient lime tree had to give way. During the excavations, two skeletons were found: according to legend, two Swedes were buried under the lime tree during the Thirty Years' War.
A special treasure in the church is a 13th century seated Madonna (Romanesque, softwood 37 cm) with a headscarf and a broad, flat crown. She holds a round object (apple or globe) in her right hand.
The Baroque-style altar is located in the raised choir, with the church patron St. Nicholas enthroned in the middle. It probably dates from the time when the chapel was built. A double Madonna (softwood, 137 cm high) from the 18th century hangs in the middle of the nave. According to tradition, the Madonna is said to have come from the Glindfeld monastery.
Services are regularly held in the church by the Catholic parish of Referinghausen.
Text source: Touristik-Gesellschaft Medebach mbH
