Rising majestically from the Bamberg landscape stands the Auferstehungskirche. Its story is one of resilience and faith born from the ashes of war. After World War II many evangelical refugees flocked to Bamberg. Their numbers swelled. The need for a new church in Bamberg’s east was clear. This is the story of the Auferstehungskirche the church of resurrection.
The first service in the Auferstehungskirche was not held within its current walls. It took place in 1948 in the Spinnseyerschule now the Kunigundenschule. This makeshift sanctuary served the growing congregation until their own building could be realized. The acquisition of land along Gänwiesenweg in 1952 marked a crucial step. The Kirchbauverein Bamberg-Auferstehungskirche was formed to spearhead the construction. Fundraising proved a significant hurdle. The Erlöserkirche generously donated 500 DM a considerable sum for the time.
The Nuremberg architect Max Kälberer designed the church the rectory and the parish hall. The foundation stone was laid in 1954. Construction progressed slowly due to harsh winter conditions. The topping-out ceremony was celebrated in 1955. The church tower however was initially just a stub. Funds ran out. The tower’s full 45-meter height would have to wait until the rectory was completed.
Finally the Auferstehungskirche was consecrated in June 1956. The church tower’s construction began in 1959. This too faced delays. The church tower’s clock mechanism by Peter Hohlweg from Erlangen found its place on the seventh floor. The bell tower housing six bells including the Greiffenberger Friedensglocke was completed by 1960. The spire with its cross weathervane and cupola was crafted by Nuremberg coppersmith Hans Luther.
The church’s interior boasts a poignant war memorial dedicated in 1964. It bears the inscription “We lie before you with our prayer (and trust) not in our righteousness but in your great mercy”. The dates 1914-1918 and 1939-1945 underscore the memorial’s significance.
The church portal a masterpiece of copper repoussé work was created by Herbert Stern from Altötting. It depicts biblical scenes from the Fall to the Last Judgment. The door handle itself engraved with a blessing and the symbol of two fish a testament to its profound symbolism. The lamb sculpture on the east gable a symbol of Christ’s resurrection was crafted by Winni Bechtel-Kluge who also designed the baptismal font.
The Auferstehungskirche is more than just a building. It’s a testament to the enduring human spirit. A place where hope was reborn in the shadow of tragedy. Today it stands as a beacon of faith and community in Bamberg a place where history resonates in every stone.