Listen closely. Before us stands the Vicelinkirche a testament to postwar Hamburg.
The Vicelinkirche in the Sasel district isn’t just a church it’s a symbol of community resilience. It’s the first church built specifically for Sasel. Before 1948 Sasel was part of Bergstedt. The community needed its own space for worship.
The architects Horst Sandtmann and Friedhelm Grundmann had a vision. They completed the building remarkably quickly. The Vicelinkirche was consecrated on December 2 1962. It’s a striking design. The building’s shape is inspired by the Bible. The tent-like structure symbolizes the temporary nature of human creations. The ship-like altar area recalls Noah’s Ark.
Notice the Dutch bricks. They form the dominant material both inside and out. The simple lines inside highlight the altar bathed in natural light. The color scheme is restrained. White dominates the ceiling and walls. The floor is dark. The altar baptismal font and pulpit are light-colored stone. Accents of blue symbolize God’s presence while red hints at God’s love.
Artist Lothar Quinte created the stained-glass windows and the tapestry behind the altar. It features concentric circles of color. Sculptor Hans Kock crafted the silver altar cross and the candle holders. Every detail was carefully chosen to create a space of quiet contemplation.
The church bells have a fascinating story. One bell dates back to 1863. It came from a village near Arnsdorf in Silesia. Pastor Konrad Feige a refugee from Silesia found it in Hamburg’s Glockenfriedhof the bell graveyard. He managed to have it installed near the community hall. Two more bells were cast in Karlsruhe to match the existing one. All three now reside in the Vicelinkirche’s tower. Their sound echoes the original bells of the Bethauskirche in Arnsdorf.
The Vicelinkirche’s first organ came from Kemper & Sohn in Lübeck. In 1996 a new organ was installed thanks to generous donations. It fits the church’s design perfectly. The blue and red colors and silver pipes harmonize with the altar and windows.
The Vicelinkirche isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to faith community and the enduring spirit of Hamburg. It’s a place where history and faith converge. It’s a place that welcomes everyone. So take a moment absorb the atmosphere. Let the stories within these walls resonate with you. The Vicelinkirche awaits your reflection.