“Ever wonder what makes a church a true community hub?” Here, before us, stands the Frei-Evangelische Gemeinde lutherischer Prägung. It is more than just a building. It is a beacon of faith and fellowship in Freiburg.
The Frei-Evangelische Gemeinde lutherischer Prägung is part of the Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche in Baden. The church warmly welcomes everyone. It invites all to experience life within its community.
The church’s reach extends far beyond Freiburg. It includes the Erlöserkirche in Freiburg. It also includes the Friedenskirche in Vögisheim. The community stretches from Offenburg to Müllheim. It spans from Breisach am Rhein to the Black Forest.
The Frei-Evangelische Gemeinde lutherischer Prägung thrives through its worship services. These are held on Sundays in Freiburg. Services also take place on Saturdays in Müllheim. Many members actively contribute their talents and dedication. They enrich the church’s communal activities. Regular gatherings for all ages foster a strong sense of belonging. These Gemeindekreise occur monthly.
The Erlöserkirche is the main church of the Gemeinde Freiburg. It stands in the Neuburg district. It is located on Stadtstraße near the Old Cemetery.
Friedrich Ploch designed the church. He was an architect and contractor. Construction took place from 1894 to 1895 in the Neo-Gothic style. The city of Freiburg provided the land for free. The initial construction budget was 30,000 marks. Betti Fischer funded the church. The cornerstone was laid on October 14, 1894. The church was inaugurated on October 6, 1895. The final cost was 33,000 marks. This did not include the interior.
The Erlöserkirche features a simple hall with a pentagonal choir. Its gable faces south. Atop the gable sits a roof turret. The turret houses a 107 kg steel bell. The Bochum firm cast the bell. It bears the inscription “Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe”. A sandstone relief above the entrance depicts the “Good Shepherd”. Julius Seitz of Freiburg created it.
Inside, the church is 20 meters long. It is 9 meters wide and 8 meters high. Six pointed arch windows illuminate the nave. Three windows light the choir. The Helmle & Merzweiler workshop in Freiburg crafted these windows. Gustav Kuntzsch from Wernigerode/Harz carved the pulpit and altar. The altar displays painted copies. These are of Rubens’ “Crucifixion” and Dürer’s “Four Apostles”.
Near the church stands a life-size figure of Christ. Julius Seitz created this. It was originally Betti Fischer’s tombstone. After the grave was cleared, the Erlösergemeinde obtained the statue. The city loaned it to them.
Reflect on the dedication and artistry within these walls. Consider the sense of community that binds this congregation. As you leave, remember the Frei-Evangelische Gemeinde lutherischer Prägung. It stands as a testament to faith, art, and community. It enriches the cultural landscape of Freiburg.