Imagine Kaiser Wilhelm II. gifting a painting copy to a church. That church is the Lutherkirche H\u00f6rde. It stands here in Dortmund as a testament to faith and resilience.
The Lutherkirche H\u00f6rde is not just a building. It is a symbol of H\u00f6rde’s history. Its story begins in the late 19th century. The church’s construction spanned from 1883 to 1889. The plans came from Essen architect Peter Zindel. November 10, 1883, marked a provisional cornerstone laying. This date honored Martin Luther’s birth.
Kaiser Wilhelm II. himself inaugurated the Lutherkirche H\u00f6rde. He was the head of the Protestant churches in Prussia. He donated a copy of Anton van Dyck’s “Beweinung Christi”. The painting remains even today. The Lutherkirche H\u00f6rde’s architecture blends styles. Its exterior reflects medieval neogothic design. The interior embraced contemporary Protestant building concepts. Emporen and the pulpit characterize it.
However, the Lutherkirche H\u00f6rde faced near-total destruction. A bombing raid on March 12, 1945, during World War II devastated it. Only a few foundation walls and the tower remained. The people of H\u00f6rde showed incredible resilience. They cleared rubble. They salvaged stones and wood. Women went door to door. They sought donations. They raised over 54,000 Mark. This was a monumental effort.
The Lutherkirche H\u00f6rde’s reconstruction began in 1952. Architect Heinz Dahlb\u00fcdding oversaw the simplified redesign. The reopening took place on the first Advent in 1954. Stained glass artist Wilhelm Rengshausen from L\u00fcnen created the colorful windows. They complement the space and window rosette. The L\u00fcbeck organ builder Kemper built the organ in 1962. It harmonizes with Dahlb\u00fcdding’s design.
Take a closer look inside the Lutherkirche H\u00f6rde. You can find treasures from its past. A bronze chandelier hangs in the tower room. It once lit the old evangelical church. A historical data table graces the south aisle. An old restored tower clock stands before it. The clock has been replaced by a computer-controlled one. Stained glass windows in the transepts depict biblical scenes. An altar bible printed in Nuremberg in 1703 sits in a display case.
The Lutherkirche H\u00f6rde embraces nature conservation. The 72-meter-high tower is home to peregrine falcons and kestrels. Experts regularly monitor them. The NABU awarded the church the “Living Space Church Tower” certificate in 2009.
In 2014, the Lutherkirche H\u00f6rde planned a double jubilee. It was to celebrate 60 and 125 years. A bomb discovery overshadowed the event.
The Lutherkirche H\u00f6rde welcomes visitors. It is an “Open Church”. Guests can pause and meditate. Info flyers guide historical tours. Volunteers offer information. As a registered pilgrimage church, it provides a pilgrim stamp.
The Lutherkirche H\u00f6rde stands today. It is a symbol of faith. It embodies community spirit. It is a testament to H\u00f6rde’s enduring strength. The church preserves its rich history. It also embraces the future.