Glimpsing at the Markuskirche, do you notice how its modern design stands out? This is not your typical old-world church. The Markuskirche is a relatively new and striking presence in Freiburg.
The Markuskirche serves the Protestant parish of Freiburg-West. It is a member of the Evangelical Church in Baden. Its story began with a growing community.
In 1962, Reverend Gerhard Hopfer proposed building a church. The congregation had grown to 4,000 members. They needed a space that could seat 450 people. Gottfried Einwächter, a student of Egon Eiermann, designed the concrete structure. Einwächter also designed the new building at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin. Construction began in 1967.
Hopfer played a crucial role in the church’s interior design. He collaborated with artist Christof Grüger from Schönebeck. Grüger, living in East Germany at the time, created a glass block artwork. This artwork depicted the “calling vision of Isaiah”. Sadly, Grüger could not see his completed work in person until after the church’s opening.
The Markuskirche was inaugurated on the first Sunday of Advent in 1968. Its unique architecture is an octagonal hall church made of concrete. A 35-meter-high freestanding bell tower complements the church.
In the early 1970s, the Markuskirche gained some notoriety. The University of Freiburg withdrew its permission for the Russell Tribunal. This tribunal investigated war crimes in the Vietnam War. The Markus community stepped in and offered their space.
The Markuskirche gained further recognition beyond Freiburg during the State Garden Show in 1986. The church square was partially integrated into the garden show grounds. The church served as a place of silence and reflection for visitors.
In 2000, the church underwent extensive concrete restoration work. Ulrich Bayer became the pastor of the Markus community in 2002. The Markuskirche celebrated its 50th anniversary on December 1, 2018. Bishop Jochen Cornelius-Bundschuh attended the celebration.
The Markuskirche is also home to beautiful music. In 1970, it acquired an organ from the Gebrüder Mann workshop. The organ has 25 stops on two manuals and a pedal.
The church’s three bells were consecrated in 1988. The Mooswald Citizens’ Association funded one of the bells. It is called the Citizens’ Bell. In the 1990s, the Markuskirche hosted various concerts.
Today, the Markuskirche stands as a testament to modern religious architecture. It’s a vibrant center for its community. The Freiburg Gospel Choir also practices here every Thursday. The Markuskirche is more than just a building. It is a place of worship, music, and community.