Why did the stones of the Französisch-Reformierte Kirche whisper tales of exile and resilience?
Here we stand before a site where a significant chapter of Frankfurt’s history unfolded a story of faith perseverance and remarkable community spirit. The Französisch-Reformierte Kirche once stood proudly on Goetheplatz. It was more than just a building. It was a haven for generations of French-speaking Protestant refugees. Their story began long ago with the arrival of around 20 families in 1554. These were Walloon refugees fleeing religious persecution. Their leader was the preacher Valerandus Polanus. They sought refuge in Frankfurt. Their arrival boosted Frankfurt’s economy. These skilled artisans and merchants faced conflict though. Their modern methods threatened established tradesmen. Tensions arose with the city’s Lutheran clergy.
The city council initially welcomed them. They allowed the community to use a former convent for worship. But disagreements over religious practices led to conflict. The council eventually banned public Reformed services in 1561. This forced the community to worship in private homes. Many left Frankfurt for Frankenthal in 1562. Others stayed. They continued their faith in secret. More refugees arrived in the following decades. These included people escaping the Spanish Netherlands. This influx of refugees continued to add to the city’s economic strength.
The council’s decision in 1787 allowed the community to build a church within the city walls. It was to be a private place of worship. It was built between 1789 and 1792. It blended seamlessly into its surroundings. The church was a beautiful example of classicism. Red sandstone was used throughout. The building featured three identical portals. An inscription above the central portal read: “Dedicated to the Eternal. 1790”.
The church thrived. It witnessed significant events. Abraham Mendelssohn Bartholdy the father of composer Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy was baptized there. Felix Mendelssohn himself married Cécile Charlotte Sophie Jeanrenaud there in 1837. Her father had been the church’s pastor.
Tragedy struck during World War II. The church was destroyed in an air raid in 1944. The damage was significant but repairable. However the city chose not to rebuild it. The church was not one of the city’s endowed churches. The congregation chose to build a new community center. It was erected in 1951 in Dornbusch.
Today only the memory of the Französisch-Reformierte Kirche remains. Yet this site echoes with the resilience of those who sought refuge and faith. It stands as a reminder of Frankfurt’s rich multicultural heritage and the strength of the human spirit. Remember their struggle. Remember their faith. Remember their contribution.