Christ-König

“A church made of wood?” a child’s voice piped, echoing the incredulity I often feel when standing before Christ-König. Here, amidst the sturdy brick and concrete of Praunheim, the idea of a wooden church seems like a whisper from a forgotten fairytale. And yet, Christ-König, in its earliest incarnation, was just that. Picture Frankfurt in 1930. The ambitious “New Frankfurt” project was underway, transforming the cityscape with modern housing. In Praunheim, a plot was earmarked for a community center. Financial constraints stalled the project. This paved the way for the burgeoning Catholic community to acquire the land. Architect Martin Weber designed a simple, cubic wooden church, consecrated on December 20, 1930, as Christ-König. This dedication, meaning “Christ the King”, was remarkably prescient, as Pope Pius XI had only just established the Feast of Christ the King five years prior. Christ-König, here in Praunheim, was among the first churches worldwide to bear this name. Now, look around. The current structure doesn’t quite match that early image of a wooden sanctuary, does it? The post-war boom saw the Christ-König community flourish. In 1951, they gained independence. The original wooden structure, now deemed a “Notkirche” or emergency church, underwent a transformation. Architects Hermann Mäckler and Alois Giefer led the redesign, completed in 1956. The church you see today bears the mark of further renovations. In 1975, Frankfurt architect Hans Busch reoriented the interior, shifting the altar’s position by 90 degrees and adding the adjoining community center. The red facade and slightly elevated position at the bend in the street make Christ-König stand out among the surrounding buildings. Notice the bell tower on the west facade. Also, look for the fish-shaped mosaic by Hans Leistikow, a subtle nod to early Christian symbolism. Inside, the warmth of wood still greets you, a legacy of Weber’s original design. The wooden ceiling and gallery create a sense of intimacy. The large glass wall behind the altar bathes the space in natural light. It also offers a tranquil view of the inner courtyard. Take a moment to appreciate the murals by Jupp Jost. They add another layer of artistry to this evolving space. Even the exterior walls bear witness to the community’s creativity. Look closely for murals with biblical motifs and verses, crafted by the youth and confirmation groups of Christ-König. It’s a testament to the living history of this unique place, a history etched in wood, brick, paint, and the spirit of its people.