Catholic Rectory

This rectory, built in the 18th century, serves as the residence of the Provost of Kempen and as the administrative centre of the parish. Historical records mention a rectory on Judenstraße as early as the 14th century.

The modest, gabled brick building is notable for its restrained yet distinctive architectural features, including stepped gables, pilaster strips, anchor pins, and an original wooden door framed by sandstone jambs.

The rectory and its adjoining parish garden are enclosed by a wall, with the southern boundary running along the alleyway Am Propsteigarten. Historically, the Propsteigarten bordered the garden of the former Franciscan monastery.

In recognition of its historical and ecclesiastical importance, the parish of St Mariae Geburt was granted the honorary titles of Propsteipfarre (Provost Parish) and Propsteikirche (Provost Church) by the Diocese of Aachen in 1935.

Since then, the parish priest has held the honorary title of Propst (provost).