Named after the Evangelist Lukas, the Lukaskirche stands as a testament to faith and community in Freiburg’s St. Georgen district. This church serves as a focal point for the Protestant parish of Freiburg-Südwest. It is part of the Evangelische Landeskirche Baden.
After World War II, St. Georgen saw a surge in its Protestant population. The Melanchthonkirche in Freiburg-Haslach could no longer accommodate the growing community. The Lukas community decided to build its own church. Construction finished in 1954. The Lukaskirche was inaugurated in January 1955.
The Lukaskirche maintains simple architectural lines. It resembles an old village church. It is a rectangular hall facing east to west with a gable roof. A sturdy rectangular tower with a gable roof adjoins the east side. A photovoltaic system sits on the south side of the roof, spanning about 50 square meters with a capacity of 4.83 kW.
Inside the Lukaskirche, a flat wooden ceiling stretches overhead. Clear, arched windows illuminate the space. Both the entrance portal and the sound openings in the tower feature rounded arches. The sanctuary is slightly recessed. A rounded chancel arch separates it from the main church area.
The Lukaskirche’s interior is modestly adorned. Behind the altar hangs a piece by Chris Popovic. It is titled “Cubicularium-ein-geboren”. A simple baptismal font stands to the left. A plain lectern stands to the right. These are positioned in front of the chancel arch.
An organ crafted by Georges Heintz from Schiltach graces the gallery. Installed in 2006, it replaced an older instrument. The previous organ suffered damage after more than 40 years. The new organ features 20 stops across two manuals and a pedal.
The Lukaskirche’s tower houses three bells. The Bachert bell foundry in Karlsruhe cast them in December 1954. The first bell is the death bell. It has a diameter of 940 mm and weighs 417 kg. Its inscription reads: “Be faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” It features the three crosses of Golgatha.
The second bell is the prayer bell. It has a diameter of 830 mm and weighs 341 kg. The inscription reads: “Thy name be hallowed, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.” It features the Trinity symbol of a flaming eye, cross, and crown.
The third bell is both the baptismal bell and peace bell. It has a diameter of 700 mm and weighs 199 kg. Its inscription reads: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” It features a baptismal font with a cross and Christ’s monogram.
The Lukaskirche also houses the Lukas community center and an Oberlin kindergarten. The Lukaskirche opens its doors reliably. It welcomes visitors even outside of service times. It serves as a place for reflection and prayer in Freiburg. The Lukaskirche extends an invitation to discover solace within its walls.