A sanctuary in the woods, they called it. Christi Himmelfahrt stands here. It is a testament to faith and community in Munich’s Waldtrudering district. Let’s uncover its story.
In the early 20th century, Waldtrudering saw rapid growth. The Catholic residents, about 2,000, had to travel far to St. Peter and Paul Church. So, on July 28, 1929, the Christi Himmelfahrt church foundation was born.
Initially, they considered Graf-Spee-Platz but it was a vast gravel pit. The ground seemed too unstable. Then, the community gifted the church its current site on Waldschulstraße 6 on March 7, 1932. It happened just before Munich annexed the area. The agreement stipulated local craftsmen were to be preferred. The site was solely for church and charitable purposes.
Construction began in spring 1933. Archbishop Michael Cardinal Faulhaber consecrated the altar on November 12, 1933. He called Christi Himmelfahrt a “sanctuary in the woods.” It remains the only church with this name in the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising. The parish was established in 1941.
Christi Himmelfahrt can seat 400 people. It also holds about 700 standing. Financial constraints led to omitting a tower. Instead, a roof turret, rare in Munich churches, was added to the facade. Architect Ernst Jäger designed a simple modern hall church. A plain triumphal arch separates the rectangular nave. A fresco of Christ’s Ascension adorns the chancel’s back wall.
In 1973, liturgical reforms brought a new altar, ambo, and tabernacle by Karl Potzler. Angelo Negretti created the Madonna statue with the child Jesus. Ilse von Twardowski-Conrat sculpted the “Penitent.” A statue of Saint Anthony of Padua also graces the church. Benedikt Gröner’s Stations of the Cross were installed in 1951.
Since 1975, a parish kindergarten has stood behind Christi Himmelfahrt. In 1997, a photovoltaic system was installed on the parish center’s roof.
In 1934, Christi Himmelfahrt installed three bells named Christus Rex, Peter and Paul and Marienglocke. The two larger bells were melted down for war in 1942. A single bell remained. In 1951, three new bells were installed.
Dieter Schingnitz built a new organ for Christi Himmelfahrt in 1997. It has two manuals, a pedal, 30 registers, and 1,740 pipes.
Christi Himmelfahrt stands as a testament to faith. It embodies community spirit and artistic expression in Munich. It evolved from necessity to become a beloved sanctuary.