Beneath the Swabian Alb’s mountains lies a story connected to faith. We’re standing before the Neuapostolische Kirche Wäldenbronn. This church is more than just a building. It represents a community’s spiritual heart.
The Esslingen district surrounds us. It is a place of historical significance. Esslingen’s story began when it became part of Württemberg in 1803. The district evolved through mergers. Municipalities joined from Stuttgart, Schorndorf, Kirchheim unter Teck and Göppingen.
The Neckar River splits the district. To the west lies the Filder plain. To the east the Swabian Alb mountains rise. These geographical features have shaped the region’s identity.
Consider the coat of arms. It features the imperial eagle from Esslingen’s city arms. Checkered diamonds symbolize the Dukes of Teck. A horn represents the Counts of Urach. These emblems reflect the area’s rich history.
Around the Neuapostolische Kirche Wäldenbronn, villages like Hegensberg and Oberesslingen share intertwined histories. Hegensberg once conflicted with Esslingen-Am-Neckar. It was separate from Wurttemberg. Relics of these old conflicts remain. The Hegensberger Kirchweg once connected Hegensberg to Oberesslingen’s church.
Oberesslingen has been inhabited since Roman times. Remains of a 3rd-century Roman villa stand near St. Martin’s Church. Oberesslingen’s first written mention dates back to 1208.
Esslingen am Neckar is not far from here. It was first mentioned in 777. Abbot Fulrad bequeathed a cell on the Neckar River to Saint-Denis monastery. He brought Saint Vitalis’ bones to Esslingen. This drew pilgrims and spurred growth.
Esslingen became a market town around 800. It received city rights in 1229. Conflicts arose between Esslingen and the Counts of Württemberg. The Thirty Years’ War devastated the population. Esslingen lost its independence in 1803. It became part of the Duchy of Württemberg.
Industrialization marked the 19th century. The first train from Cannstatt to Esslingen arrived in 1845. US soldiers occupied Esslingen in 1945 during World War II. The city was spared much damage.
After the war, refugees from East Germany settled in Esslingen. Housing developments emerged in Oberesslingen and Zollberg. In 1973, Esslingen am Neckar became the seat of an enlarged district.
Fellbach is easily accessible from Stuttgart. The New Apostolic Church maintains a stately building there. Fellbach became known internationally. Chief Apostle Richard Fehr called it his “church of fate”. He assumed leadership of the global Church there in 1988. He was retired in Fellbach in 2005.
Today, the Neuapostolische Kirche Wäldenbronn stands as a beacon of faith in a historically rich area. It connects to a larger story. It shows Wurttemberg’s evolution and the enduring spirit of its people. As we move on, remember this church and its place in the tapestry of Esslingen’s past.