Envision Hedwig Dransfeld’s profound idea: the Frauenfriedenskirche. It stands as a stone prayer for peace. It also honors the fallen of World War I. This Roman Catholic church in Bockenheim is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of hope and remembrance.
The Frauenfriedenskirche’s story began in 1916. Hedwig Dransfeld led the Katholischer Deutscher Frauenbund. She envisioned a church as a memorial and a plea for peace. The initial funds were lost during the German hyperinflation. But the dream didn’t die.
Construction finally commenced in 1927. Hans Herkommer designed this unusual church. The Frauenfriedenskirche combines expressionism and Bauhaus architecture. It uses striking mosaics inside and out.
Completed in 1929, the Frauenfriedenskirche opened its doors. It became a parish church for Bockenheim’s Catholic community. World War II brought damage. Yet, donations helped rebuild it. The church displayed names of fallen and missing German soldiers. This was in exchange for donations.
Look at the architecture. It is a unit with the rectory and parish halls. Notice the memorial yard. It spans 18 by 30 meters. The west facade features a 25-meter-high portal. Three round arches divide it.
The central arch showcases Mary. She appears as the Queen of Peace. Emil Sutor created this monumental mosaic. The left arch depicts night, mourning, and a sword. These symbolize war. The right arch shows the sun, happiness, and flowers. This symbolizes peace.
Step inside the Frauenfriedenskirche. Below the nave lies a crypt. It houses a pietà by Ruth Schaumann. The altar stands two meters above the floor. Above it, Joseph Eberz’s mosaic dominates. It shows the crucified Jesus. Mary, Mother of Jesus, is below. Seven swords pierce her heart.
Hear the organ’s rich tones. Siegfried Sauer built it in 1996. It boasts 45 stops. Electrical tracker action controls three keyboards and pedals. Since 1956, six bells have rung from this church.
The Frauenfriedenskirche faced challenges. In 1944, bombs damaged the roof and windows. The interior lost its original colors. Renovations in the 1970s brought new colors. Joachim Pick designed new windows.
A restoration project began in 2018. It revived the original color scheme. Herbert Cybulska designed a new lighting concept. It complements Herkommer’s original vision. Tobias Kammerer redesigned the altar. Bishop Georg Bätzing consecrated it in 2020.
Consider the Gedächtnishof. The 20-meter-high portal features a mosaic statue. It shows the Friedenskönigin. Hedwig Dransfeld inspired this statue. Emil Sutor created it. Friedrich Stich designed the mosaics. Puhl & Wagner from Berlin-Neukölln executed them.
Today, the Frauenfriedenskirche stands as a testament to resilience. It embodies a prayer for peace. It is a memorial to those lost in war. Its art and architecture tell a story. They speak of faith, hope, and the enduring human spirit.