Dedicated “to God’s honor 1910,” the inscription on the outer choir wall whispers tales of faith and transformation at the Heilandskapelle. This chapel stands as a testament to the evolving spirit of Flensburg-Weiche. Imagine the year is 1912. The Heilandskapelle’s doors swing open for the first time. Locals stream in to celebrate its dedication on April 21. For 56 years, the Heilandskapelle served as a place of worship. It nurtured the spiritual lives of the local evangelical-Lutheran community.
Otto Fielitz, the city planning officer, designed the layout for Nordschleswigschen Weiche in 1901 and 1902. As early as 1903, there was talk of building a chapel here. Fielitz also designed the Flensburg-Weiche elementary and secondary school, now the Unesco School, in Bahnstraße 20 in 1904. Before the Heilandskapelle was built, one of the school’s rooms was used for church services by the St. Nikolai parish. Planning for the chapel began in 1907. The construction was delayed for several reasons. The need for it in Weiche was questioned within the St. Nikolai parish. Also, the Nikolaikirche tower needed repairs. This tied up funds. There were also problems with access. The chapel was finally built between 1910 and 1912. H. Höft was in charge of construction.
The Heilandskapelle emerged as a modest brick hall with a chapel tower in historicist style. Fledermausgauben were added to both sides of the roof. A circular panel with the inscription “Erbaut zu Gottes Ehr 1910” was placed on the outer choir wall. Inside, the painter Käte Lassen created a large painting on the altar wall. It depicted the theme “Come all to me…” with the Savior at the center. The gallery and chapel space could accommodate 150 people.
Initially, the new parish remained part of St. Nikolai after the church was consecrated. In 1954, the evangelical parish of Flensburg-Weiche became independent. Pastor Hermann Hand took over the parish. He served in Weiche until the 1970s. The Heilandskapelle was originally located at Bahnstraße 20a. Later, in 1955, Sylter Straße and Kirchenallee were established. The chapel was given its current address. Sylter Straße was still undeveloped in 1958. The chapel was the only building on the street. The current terraced houses were built in 1960.
However, times changed. Following the construction of the Friedenskirche in 1966 and 1967, the Heilandskapelle was sold to the city in 1968. In 1972, it was converted into a magazine for the Flensburg mobile library. The altar, its platform, and the pulpit were removed. The current covered open staircase was built at the chapel entrance at the same time.
Since 1994, the Heilandskapelle has been used by the Unesco School as a music venue and meeting place. The Heilandskapelle Weiche e.V. association also uses it. It promotes culture, community, and urban development in Weiche. Kay Richert, a member of the FDP state parliament, is the chairman of the Heilandskapelle e.V. association. The Aktionsgemeinschaft Gesunder Stadtteil Weiche, another user of the church, was also founded in the 1990s. In 2012, the Heilandskapelle celebrated its centenary. Today, the Heilandskapelle stands as a multi-faceted space. It fosters community and celebrates the rich history woven into the fabric of Flensburg-Weiche.