“Imagine,” I say softly “standing where compassion meets faith.” Here before us stands Emmauskirken. This church is not just bricks and mortar. It is a testament to dedication and service. Emmauskirken is a Lutheran church. It operates privately under the Church of Denmark.
Emmauskirken is on Peter Bangs Vej in Frederiksberg. It is part of the Diakonissestiftelsen. This makes it an institutionskirke but it welcomes everyone.
Let’s step back in time to 1876. The church was inaugurated on New Year’s Eve. Justitsråd H.C. Stoltenberg funded its construction. Emmauskirken was one of three wings. The other wings housed a hospital and a sister home for the deaconesses.
Harald Stein was the church’s first pastor. He named it Emmauskirken. This name references the story of the walk to Emmaus. It’s a tale from Luke 24, 13-35.
Interestingly the deaconesses received a special gift. It was a “hostiejern”. This is a tool to bake altar bread. Soon other churches requested these oblater. The Diakonissestiftelsen started an alter bread bakery. It still produces today.
Notice the architecture. Hans J. Holm designed the Diakonissestiftelsen. It features a neo-Gothic style. Look at the gables and pointed arches. The church wing matches the height of the others. But it has only one floor unlike the others. A copper-clad roof turret sits atop the nave. It houses the church bells and a clock.
In 2015, Emmauskirken underwent renovations. Architect Hans-Jørgen Lykkeboe led the project. Sculptor Lisbeth Nielsen added new sculptures.
Step inside to appreciate the light-filled nave. Four large windows line each side. The ceiling has a cloverleaf-shaped barrel vault. It is adorned with painted borders. Gray painted columns support the vault. The walls are covered in white acoustic panels.
Pause to admire the døbefont. Lisbeth Nielsen designed it during the 2015 renovation. The original organ sits above the chancel. It is no longer in use. In 1970, a new Frobenius organ was installed. It has 20 voices and was renovated in 1999.
Emmauskirken stands as a beacon. It represents faith and service. Its doors are open to all. It is a place of worship and community. It continues to evolve while honoring its rich history.