Pfarrkirche Eggerstanden

St. Josef (19 March)

The church stands on the village square of Eggerstanden between Appenzell and Kobelwald.

The modern church takes up the shape of the landscape background in the central building, and the fir tree of its forests in the free-standing pyramid of the bell tower. The stained glass windows were designed by Alfred Broger, the Madonna and Child is from the 17th century, and the painting of St. Joseph from 1728. The former choir arch cross dates from the first half of the 18th century; the church has 230 seats.

History
  As early as  1500  , a  small  chapel called "Bild" is  mentioned. The donor was probably the father of Hans Büchel ab dem Bild, who died in the Battle of Marignano in 1515. The patron saint St. Joseph was first mentioned in 1643. For a long time, the inhabitants of Eggerstanden had to make do with a small building, until in 1722 it was decided to build a larger chapel. This was then allowed to be used for the first time on 29 November 1725. In 1727, the altar in Oberegg could be picked up; in 1730/31 the two side altars were made. The construction was associated with the endowment of a benefice, and in 1727 the first curate began his work in Eggerstehen. Towards the end of the 19th century, the church, which could accommodate 150 people, had become too small and the first thought was to enlarge it. Finally, it was demolished in the spring of 1901 and replaced by a new building by architect August Hardegger. It was consecrated on 8 June 1903. However, this church was a cheaply built work and soon fell into disrepair. In 1971, the Kirchhöri decided to demolish the existing church and build a new one by Ferdinand Filippi. On 23 February 1973, the revised bells were wound up; the consecration took place on 26 May 1973. The organ comes from a Zurich household and was installed in 1986.