Isn’t it peculiar? Katolsk-Apostolsk Kirke stands as a testament to a unique religious movement. The Katolsk-Apostolsk Kirke in Copenhagen represents more than just a building. It embodies a fascinating chapter in religious history.
Let’s delve into the story of this somewhat mysterious church. The Katolsk-Apostolsk Kirke’s foundation lies in the Catholic Apostolic Church. This church was founded in 1832 by Edward Irving, a Scottish Presbyterian pastor. His followers were often called Irvingians. A key belief was the imminent return of Jesus Christ. Their worship style was high-church. It included elements of the Roman Catholic Mass.
The Katolsk-Apostolsk Kirke arrived in Denmark in the 1850s. The Copenhagen congregation was established in 1861. They obtained their main church in Gyldenløvesgade. The land for the current Katolsk-Apostolsk Kirke was purchased on December 14, 1869. The cost was 7285 rigsbankdaler. The cornerstone was laid on October 12, 1870. The church was completed in July 1871. It was consecrated on August 1, 1871.
John Belcher & Son from London designed the Katolsk-Apostolsk Kirke. The church cost around 17000 rigsbankdaler. That equals about 50000 kroner in 1900 currency. Emanuel Christie Fleischer, an architect, oversaw the construction. He was also a member of the religious community.
The Katolsk-Apostolsk Kirke is built in English neo-Gothic style. It features a granite base and brick walls. The structure includes a nave and a narrower chancel. The church is 116 feet long. It has a steep slate roof. A small tower with a spire faces Gyldenløvesgade. A small porch stands in front of the facade. Inside, pointed barrel vaults arch overhead. A side chapel separated by pointed arches and a column stands next to the high altar. Opposite the chapel is the pulpit. An old granite baptismal font comes from Torup Kirke. An organ loft sits above the entrance. The tower houses a porter’s lodge. A side building contains three vestries.
Originally, the Katolsk-Apostolsk Kirke was painted yellow with red trim. In 1894, it was repainted entirely red. Later, it reverted to yellow with red trim. Subsequent repainting has maintained the yellow color.
The ground beneath the Katolsk-Apostolsk Kirke was soft. Builders used a foundation of brushwood and oak beams. This “slyngværk” foundation worked well. It remained moist from the groundwater. Unfortunately, the groundwater level dropped. This caused the church to sink slightly. A complete underpinning of the building was needed in the 1960s. The work was done in stages from 1966 to 1968.
The large rosette window facing Gyldenløvesgade was removed in 1984-85. Its cement frame had deteriorated. The damage was repaired. The rosette was reinstalled. The original frame was an early example of cement work in Denmark. The Technological Institute examined it.
The Katolsk-Apostolsk Kirke’s organ dates from 1921. Marcussen & Søn from Aabenraa built it. The organ was expanded in 1931. It has 22 stops. Originally, the church was heated by large tile stoves. These were not very efficient. Central heating with a coke furnace was installed in 1924. It was changed to district heating in 1943.
The future of the Katolsk-Apostolsk Kirke is uncertain. The church is silent. It is only to be used for preparation for Christ’s return. Otherwise, the religious community says it should be torn down. The contents should be burned. For now, it is being maintained.
The last priest ordained by an apostle died in London in 1971. This ended the church’s hierarchy. Without priests, church services could not continue. The Katolsk-Apostolsk Kirke is no longer an active congregation. Some consider it a curiosity. Others see it as a monument to faith. It stands quietly on the corner of Gyldenløvesgade. It is a reminder of a unique chapter in Copenhagen’s religious history.