Paul-Gerhardt-Kirche

Gazing at the Paul-Gerhardt-Kirche, can you envision a time before this modern sanctuary graced this spot? After World War II, the “Gleisdreieck” area experienced a population boom. A temporary parish center was established in 1950, serving parts of Kirchditmold, Rothenditmold, and Harleshausen. The Paul-Gerhardt-Kirche, as we know it today, emerged from this growth. The Paul-Gerhardt parish was officially formed in 1960. Construction of the church building began in 1962, based on designs by the Darmstadt architects Guther, and in collaboration with Pastor Werner Dettmar. The Paul-Gerhardt-Kirche was inaugurated in 1965. Its unique hexagonal design, a hallmark of 1960s church architecture, extends to the adjoining parish house and bell tower. Notice the high, tent-like wooden ceiling and the slightly off-center circular altar. This altar holds significant symbolic items: the cross, the Bible, the baptismal font, and communion vessels. Look closely at the ceiling beams. You’ll find a recurring Star of David woven into the design. This symbolizes the inseparable connection between the Old and New Testaments. A paved path leads directly into the circular church space. The warm wood tones create a sense of comfort and embrace. Along this path, embedded in the walls, are concrete glass windows. These windows depict scenes from the Bible and church history, created by artist Sigrid Kopfermann. They begin to the right of the main entrance and conclude on the left, narrating a visual story. Starting with the creation of the world, the windows depict key moments from the Old Testament. Abraham’s journey, the divine light on Mount Sinai, and a prophecy of new salvation. Behind the altar, three windows portray Jesus Christ: his baptism, passion, and resurrection. Two more windows show scenes from the New Testament. Paul writing to the congregations and John sharing Christ’s parables. Finally, three windows illustrate moments from church history: Martin of Tours’ act of charity, Calvin’s faith, and Paul Gerhardt’s hymns of praise. The series concludes with a depiction of Christian hope. Light dispelling darkness, promising a future bathed in light. In 1970, thanks to generous donations from the congregation, a large organ, crafted by the Schmidt and Thiemann workshops in Hannover, replaced the original smaller one. The flexible arrangement of the altar, pulpit, and seating accommodates various service styles and community events. The Paul-Gerhardt-Kirche, now part of the larger Petrus-Kirchengemeinde Kassel following a merger in 2010, stands as a testament to faith and community in the modern era.