Nestled in the charming town of Dormagen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, the Christuskirche stands as a beacon of modernist architectural brilliance and spiritual significance. This striking structure, with its sharp angles and towering presence, is the main church of the Dormagen parish, belonging to the church district of Gladbach-Neuss within the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland.
The story of Christuskirche is deeply intertwined with the history of the Protestant community in Dormagen. It wasn't until the late 19th century that a notable number of Protestants settled in the area. Initially, they were part of the Monheim parish across the Rhine, attending services there. However, by 1895, local services began to be held in the house of August Klaus, a weighmaster at the sugar factory. As the community grew, services moved to the Catholic elementary school and later to the home of Gendarmerie Sergeant Reinhard Henke from 1905 to 1925.
On January 1, 1925, the Monheim district of Dormagen became an independent parish, though it continued to be served by the Monheim pastor until 1935 when it finally received its own pastor. The formal separation from Monheim was completed in 1946. The construction of the current church building, however, did not commence until the mid-20th century.
The Christuskirche, designed by architect Klaus Heubel, is a testament to mid-20th-century modernist design. The foundation stone was laid on April 23, 1962, and the church was consecrated on November 3, 1963. The structure is predominantly made of reinforced concrete, with walls clad in Dutch clinker brick. The church's most distinctive feature is its 33-meter-high pointed tower, which locals affectionately refer to as the Seelenabschussrampe or soul launch ramp. Originally intended to house youth rooms, the tower now contains the cantor's office and a music storage room.
The church's interior is equally impressive. The main hall, ranging from 6 to 12 meters in height, features a wooden ceiling made of Carolina pine, separated from the walls by a band of windows. The floor is covered in rough-hewn slate, adding to the rustic yet modern aesthetic. The copper roof, which rises towards the altar wall and continues into the tower, provides a striking contrast to the brickwork.
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The artistic elements of Christuskirche are as captivating as its architecture. The altar, pulpit, and baptismal font were crafted by Johannes Schillbach. The altar, made of Belgian granite, rests on travertine supports. The pulpit, also made of Roman travertine, is the brightest feature on the altar platform. The baptismal font is a massive block of Belgian granite, adorned with a depiction of the Holy Spirit as a dove and inscribed with the biblical verse Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16).
One of the church's most unique artistic features is the Geusen-Daniel relief on the northwest exterior wall. This brick relief, which protrudes from the wall, depicts a scene from the Bible, with a stylized cloud and a bronze plaque inscribed with the verse And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever (Revelation 11:15).
The Christuskirche is also renowned for its musical heritage. The original organ, built in 1964 by the Cologne organ-building company Willi Peter, faced several technical challenges over the years. In 2009, the decision was made to construct a new organ, incorporating as many elements of the old organ as possible. The new organ, designed by architect Aaron Werbick and built by organ builders Friedrich Kampherm and Tilman Trefz, features approximately 2,100 pipes and 38 sounding registers. It was inaugurated on Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 2015, and continues to be a focal point of the church's musical activities.
The church's bell tower houses a set of five bells, cast by the Rincker bell foundry. The bells, which sound in the notes fis', gis', h', cis', and e'', were installed during the church's construction in the early 1960s. The largest bell weighs 1,010 kilograms and bears the inscription Land, Land, Land, hear the word of the Lord!
Christuskirche is more than just a place of worship; it is a vibrant community hub. The church hosts a variety of activities, including a public library, choirs, art exhibitions, and concerts. The adjacent community center, Arche, located in the Rheinfeld district, is also part of the parish. The church's kindergarten, one of the oldest in the city, was founded in 1954 and continues to serve the community's youngest members.
In conclusion, Christuskirche in Dormagen is a remarkable blend of modernist architecture, artistic expression, and community spirit. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a place of peace and reflection, a visit to Christuskirche promises to be a memorable experience.
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