Beneath that copper spire awaits a story of faith and resilience at the Ev.-ref. Kirche Rönnebeck-Farge. This isn’t just a church. It’s a testament to a community’s enduring spirit. Let’s step closer to uncover its secrets.
The Ev.-ref. Kirche Rönnebeck-Farge stands as a proud member of the Bremen-Blumenthal parish since January 1, 2022. But its story began long before this union. The church is located in Bremen’s Blumenthal district, specifically in Farge. You’ll find it at Farger Straße 17–21. The Ev.-ref. Kirche Rönnebeck-Farge, along with its pastor’s house, was built in 1905. August Abbehusen and Otto Blendermann designed these buildings. Later, in 1962, Schulze-Herringen designed the community center.
These buildings have been under Bremen’s protection as historical monuments since 1995. Imagine the dedication it takes for a community to preserve its heritage. Around 1568 to 1580, the Reformed faith took root in Bremen and Blumenthal. While Bremen saw a merger of Reformed and Lutheran churches, Blumenthal held fast to its Reformed identity. The Ev.-ref. Kirche Rönnebeck-Farge became a symbol of this steadfastness.
Notice the white exterior of the Ev.-ref. Kirche Rönnebeck-Farge and the pastor’s house. They were constructed in the early 1900s with distinct Mansard roofs. The short, octagonal tower on the gable is topped with a pointed spire. The glasswork is from Georg Karl Rohde, an artist from Worpswede. The Ev.-ref. Kirche Rönnebeck-Farge’s bell dates back to 1796. It was made in the workshop of J. P. Bartels. Before 1905, it hung in the old tower of the Reformed Church in Blumenthal.
Inside the Ev.-ref. Kirche Rönnebeck-Farge, the organ was built in 1958 by Ahrend & Brunzema. It features eleven registers, two manuals, and a pedal. Outside, near the entrance, a memorial plaque created by Worpswede sculptor Ulrich Conrad stands. The adjacent community center, built in 1962, features clinker bricks and a gabled roof. It offers a conservative post-war design and connects seamlessly with the Ev.-ref. Kirche Rönnebeck-Farge.
The Ev.-ref. Kirche Rönnebeck-Farge has always stood in the Reformed tradition. In 2022, it joined with three other congregations from Blumenthal. These included two Lutheran and one other Reformed church. The Ev.-ref. Kirche Rönnebeck-Farge also supports a daycare center for about 30 children. It hosts various groups for women, seniors, guitar playing, and ecumenical Bible discussions. Choirs for men and folk singing also meet here.
Let’s not forget the cemetery. The Farger Cemetery is also called the Rönnebeck Cemetery. It belongs to the parish. It is located in Rönnebeck. Manfred Hausmann, a writer and preacher, is buried here. As you leave the Ev.-ref. Kirche Rönnebeck-Farge, remember its legacy. It is a place of worship, community, and historical significance.