The imposing structure before you is the Evangelisches Gemeindezentrum Paul Schneider. It’s more commonly known as the Paul Schneider Community Center. This wasn’t always a place of worship.
In the 1980s Weimar-West a large new housing area needed a church. Building started in 1986. The church was completed in 1988. It’s a multi-purpose building. The church and community rooms share a roof. Movable walls allow flexible use of the space.
The community center is named after Pastor Paul Schneider. He was known as the “Preacher of Buchenwald”. His faith and courage remained unbroken even during solitary confinement in Buchenwald concentration camp. He was murdered there in 1939.
Inside you’ll see four large wall hangings. They’re in the colors of the liturgical year. There’s an altar cross and a sculpture by Elly-Viola Nahmmacher. These all reference Paul Schneider and Buchenwald.
Initially plans included a bell tower. It wasn’t approved during the GDR era. It was finally built in 1998 next to the community center.
The Paul Schneider Community Center hosts various events. Church services are held there. Children’s and youth activities take place. Diakonie social services also uses the building. Even a Capoeira group for young people meets there.
The first “Round Table Thuringia” meeting was held here. This was in 1990 after the fall of the Berlin Wall. A society dedicated to Pastor Schneider’s memory was founded here in 1997. Margarete Schneider Paul’s widow was present at both events. A memorial to Paul Schneider is in the center’s garden.
This unassuming building in Weimar-West holds a powerful story. It’s a story of faith perseverance and community. It’s a fitting tribute to a man whose spirit could not be broken. It is more than just a church it is a living testament to hope.