A sturdy stone tower pierces the Frankfurt sky. This is the Evangelische Kirche Bergen. Its history whispers secrets of faith resilience and survival.
The Evangelical Church in Bergen a Baroque masterpiece stands proudly. It’s a significant landmark in the Bergen-Enkheim district of Frankfurt am Main. For centuries it served as a beacon of religious life. Its existence wasn’t always assured however.
Bergen lacked its own parish in medieval times. It shared a parish with Enkheim and Seckbach. They all belonged to the Kirchberger parish. The original church a grand Gothic structure was demolished in the mid-18th century. A local family the Schelme von Bergen had their own chapel. A Gothic Hubertuskapelle it stood near the Marktstrasse and Steingasse. Sadly a fire destroyed it in the mid-16th century.
Bergen became Reformed in 1597. It was then part of the County of Hanau-Münzenberg. This county fell to Hanau-Lichtenberg in 1642. The new rulers were Lutheran. Lutheran communities formed even in the Hanau-Münzenberg region. Lacking their own church building the Reformed held services in the town hall.
Construction on the Evangelische Kirche Bergen began in 1683. It was consecrated on August 10 1684. Dedicated to Saint Laurentius it immediately became a vital part of the community. The original temporary tower was replaced in 1741-1743. The new stone facade tower reached 29 meters. The Hanau Union in the early 19th century ended the dual church system. The church became united.
World War II left its mark. Bombing damaged the building. It was painstakingly restored after the war. A new community center was built next to the church in 1960-1962. The interior saw changes in 1966. A new ceiling replaced the old one. The west gallery was lowered. The altar area was paved with sandstone. The whole space received a fresh coat of paint.
The Evangelische Kirche Bergen boasts a Baroque design. It has a three-sided choir and a stone facade tower. The four-story tower culminates in a slate-covered helmet. The church’s interior is striking. The three-sided gallery and the historic organ loft are notable features. Many original elements remain from its construction. The 1684 pulpit is supported by a herm. Some believe it depicts Moses. The oldest pews are adorned with intricately carved panels.
The organ case with its musical angels dates from 1695. The current organ a Steinmeyer & Co. instrument was installed in 1967. It has been updated and renovated several times. The Evangelische Kirche Bergen also has four bells. Two were confiscated during each World War. The bells surviving from centuries past still call the faithful to worship. The church today stands as a testament to faith perseverance and architectural beauty. It is a vital part of the Bergen-Enkheim community. Its story continues to unfold within its walls.