The Zehntscheune is the oldest economic building in the village. The rubble stone building with a hipped roof is believed to have been constructed around 1700. By 1350, all properties of Wackernheim had passed to the Mainz Cathedral Chapter through exchange or purchase from the Abbey of Fulda. From the yields of a total of 481 acres of arable land and vineyards, the tenth part was received. Since the taxes were paid in kind, a larger barn was needed to collect and store them. As early as 1450, a Zehntscheune is mentioned in Wackernheim. In 1630, it was demolished by the Swedes during the Thirty Years' War. It is unclear whether this building was located on the same site as the barn that still exists. In the 18th century, the provost of the Mainz Cathedral Chapter received half of the wine and fruit tithe in Wackernheim. The other half was shared by the Nieder-Ingelheimer Hospital and the Lords of Steinebach or their heirs, the Barons Gedult von Jungenfeld.
By the way: The recipient of the church tithe was also responsible for the salary of the pastor. Thus, a Catholic institution had to pay the Protestant pastor.
