Rahden

Noted in Ludorff, vol. 22 ( Münster iW 1907): 68–70). Noted and illustrated in the Evangelische-Lutherische Kirchengemeinde Rahden [https://www.kirchengemeinde-rahden.de/images/pictures/5c8116b7/taufsteinsjk.jpg] [accessed 4 June 2022] as a font carved from sandstone of uncertain origin [Obernkirchener Sandstein?]; the inscription in Gothic lettering around the groad upper basin side has been studied by art historian Dr. Ulrich Althöfer from the Landeskirchenamt der Evangelischen Kirche von Westfalen, and experts from the Fachleute der Universität Bonn, des Archivs der EKvW und der LWL in Münster. It was replaced by a Baroque wooden font in 1709. It is described in one source as sixteen-sided at the mouth of the basin, though practically round now with the wear. There is evidence of cover anchorings on the upper rim but there is no cover present. Noted and illustrated in Joern Spreen-Ledebur's Ein stummer Zeuge erzählt, in Kreis Minden-Lübbecke (24 April 2015) [https://www.nw.de/lokal/kreis_minden_luebbecke/rahden/20440499_Ein-stummer-Zeuge-erzaehlt.html] [accessed 4 June 2022], in which references are also made to Dr. Ulrich Althöfer, who suggests cognate ["Brüdern"] fonts: "Die stehen in Ovenstädt und Liebenau, in Mariendrebber und Neuenkirchen/Vörden. Alle Steine seien ähnlich gearbeitet, manche stammen noch aus dem 13. Jahrhundert. Der Rahdener Stein ist unter diesen „Brüdern“ der größte." This source further notes that the inscription in Gothic miniscules includes the names of the pre-Reformation parish priest [plebenus] "Herrn Borchard Haverbeke" and four other clerics ["vier Altarleuten"]. Althöfer (ibid.) adds that the figure of a bull incised within the inscription area may be the symbol for St. Luke the Evangellst, and warns that, akthough the date recorded in the inscription is 1414 the font may actually be of an earlier date. Ulrich Althöfer studied the font in her Der Taufstein in der Rahdener Kirche, in the Jahrbuch für westfälische Kirchengeschichte, Year: 2016, Volume: 112, Pages: 17-52 [https://ixtheo.de/Record/163728229X] [accessed 4 June 2022]. [NB: Luke's symbol is often associated with sacrifice, service and strength].