Beneath that unassuming exterior lies a story of architectural contrast and spiritual refuge at Pauluskirche Friesdorf. Pauluskirche Friesdorf stands as a testament to modern church architecture in Bonn’s Friesdorf district. Inaugurated on November 27 1960 Pauluskirche Friesdorf was designed by architect Ernst Fohrer from Krefeld.
The building embodies the architectural style of the time. Its design features a cubic church hall adjoined by community rooms. A striking element is the freestanding bell tower. The tower’s clinker facade provides a visual contrast to the main church building.
Let’s talk about an interesting change that Pauluskirche Friesdorf underwent in October 2014. A modern glass extension was added to the vestibule. This created a new foyer space. This addition regularly hosts small-scale arts and music events. Pauluskirche Friesdorf is part of the Evangelical Thomas Parish of Bad Godesberg. This parish also includes Christuskirche and the deconsecrated Thomaskapelle. All belong to the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland.
Now let us step inside Pauluskirche Friesdorf. Notice the large window panels. These depict the conversion of Paul. Reimund Franke created these in 1985. The altar area was redesigned in 1976. Kurt-Wolf von Borries a sculptor from Cologne planned this redesign. He created the altar and baptismal font. They are made of grey basalt. The cast-iron panels of the pulpit tell a dramatic tale. They show Paul’s liberation from prison in Philippi after an earthquake.
Pauluskirche Friesdorf also has a notable organ. Paul Ott’s workshop built it. It was consecrated in 1966. The organ is located on the north side of the gallery. This fully mechanical instrument consists of two parts. The main and pedal divisions are on the gallery. The Rückpositiv is in the gallery balustrade.
The parish of Pauluskirche Friesdorf includes Friesdorf and Godesberg-Nord. Since 1960 services have been held in Pauluskirche Friesdorf. Before that the community met in the Maarhaus built in 1937.
Pauluskirche Friesdorf is known for its family services. Holy Communion is celebrated monthly with juice and wine. There are also regular services for children and schools. These often involve the nearby Bodelschwingh School. Special services are held for parents with young children. These include toddler services and services with the kindergarten.
Within the community center are rooms for groups and staff. The library is also here. Across the street the old community house hosts smaller events. It once housed a nursing station a preaching venue and the pastor’s and caretaker’s residences. The parsonage and kindergarten are connected to the community center.
For younger members Pauluskirche Friesdorf offers a youth basement. It is used for games meetings and activities. Besides children’s and youth groups there are women’s circles. A literature circle also meets here. Do not forget the church music groups. Look up and you might spot the “heavenly energy” panels on the roof. These were installed by “Paulus for Future” who also organize events like the Repair-Café.
Café Selig serves as a foyer. It offers coffee and cake every Friday afternoon. It is a place to chat after the service with a cup of coffee or tea.
The church features a simple altar wall. It consists of a red brick wall with an open cross. In front of it are the grey basalt altar baptismal font and pulpit base. Kurt-Wolf von Borries depicted Paul’s liberation from prison in Philippi on the cast-iron pulpit panels. The side wall facing the courtyard features stained glass by Reimund Franke. It depicts the conversion of Paul.
Pauluskirche Friesdorf embraces openness and inclusivity. The church and its rooms aim to serve a diverse and welcoming Christian community. So as we depart Pauluskirche Friesdorf remember it as a place where modern architecture. It blends with artistic expression and community engagement.