Église évangélique méthodiste

Tucked away in Strasbourg’s Petite France district, the Église Évangélique Méthodiste, also known as the Temple de Sion, holds a unique story. Did you notice how the sanctuary sits on the first floor? This distinctive feature allowed the pastor’s residence to occupy the ground level. The Église Évangélique Méthodiste traces its roots back to 1868. Johann P. Schnatz, a missionary pastor, arrived in Strasbourg, sent by the Evangelische Gemeinschaft von Nordamerika. He began holding meetings with the support of Napoleon III’s government. The original meeting place, a restaurant, quickly became too small for the growing congregation. The dream of building a dedicated chapel began to take shape. The Franco-Prussian War of 1870 interrupted these plans. However, with the support of Methodist churches from the United States, construction of the Église Évangélique Méthodiste finally commenced. The building was inaugurated in December 1882, christened the “Zionskirche”. In 1889, two deaconesses took up residence at the church, ministering to the poor and sick of the neighborhood. They were part of the Bethesda Christian Deaconry Association, an organization that experienced rapid growth. Just four years later, the number of deaconesses had increased to sixteen. While the bombs of World War II devastated surrounding buildings, the Église Évangélique Méthodiste remained largely unscathed, escaping with only a few broken windows. The church originally featured a charming bell tower. Unfortunately, by 1961, it had fallen into disrepair and was demolished. The Église Évangélique Méthodiste underwent significant renovations in 2014, bringing the building up to modern safety standards. This renovation marked a new chapter in the church’s history, ensuring its continued service to the community. The reopening ceremony was a testament to its enduring presence, attended by representatives of various Christian denominations and public officials. Today, the Église Évangélique Méthodiste continues to thrive as a testament to its resilient history and community spirit in the heart of Strasbourg.