Oberkirchen - St. Gertrudis

Oberkirchen, a village that is now part of Schmallenberg, is known for the witch trials that took place here. 75 people fell victims to these trials between 1595 and 1685, when the village may have had a population of about 300.

In March 1630 9-year-old Christine Teipel was interrogated. She named 15 people who allegedly participated in the devil dance. 8 men, 6 women and a little girl. In seven process waves, 58 people died at the stake during the three months from April to June. Christine Teipel was executed on 4 May 1630.

At that time St. Getrudis existed, as excavations proved a first church here within the 11th century. Burn marks were found, so this building probably burned down before 1200. The church erected after 1200 was destroyed by fire around 1470 and rebuilt until 1479. By 1640, this church building was heavily dilapidated, especially the tower, that got restored 1663 - 1666. At that time the nave and completely rebuilt.