Could you imagine the stories these walls could tell? This is the Markuskirche in Kassel. It stands as a testament to faith and community. The Markuskirche is located in the Südstadt district. It has been the urban center of the Auefeld garden city since its completion in 1960.
Designed by Göttingen architect Diez Brandi, the Markuskirche is more than just a building. It is the heart of the Südstadt community. The church is a protected cultural monument. It is significant for artistic, urban planning and historical reasons.
The congregation has roots dating back to 1926. It initially met in a former pub hall. In 1936, the community purchased land in Auefeld. Construction was delayed by the war. In the 1950s, Paul Bode’s Belgier-Siedlung and Heinz Graaf’s Gartenstadt Auefeld were built instead. The area’s population grew significantly after World War II. A new church building became essential.
A competition was held in 1955. Diez Brandi won. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 21, 1957. The Markuskirche was inaugurated with its first service on March 20, 1960.
The Markuskirche boasts a symmetrical design. It comprises three interlocking structures. Each structure resembles a simple house with a pitched roof. The building is clad in sandstone slabs. Exposed concrete elements like the tower are distinctly structured.
A staircase from the forecourt leads to the church entrance. This entrance is on the first floor. It connects to the 47-meter-high tower. The Markuskirche houses a sacristy and a community hall. There is also an apartment for the caretaker. The tower contains four rooms for youth groups. Each outer wall features a large circular window. Behind the altar, a 70 square meter concrete window wall adds to the ambience. These window designs are the work of Hans Gottfried von Stockhausen.
Inside, the church has a simple design. It features walls made of ornamental brickwork. The main portal door was created by Joachim Spies in 1968. In 1995, significant parts of the interior were replaced. These included the altar and baptismal font. They were replaced by new creations from artist Iris Hollstein. She was born in Göttingen in 1954.
The Markuskirche has a Werner Bosch organ from Niestetal. It features 32 registers on three manuals and a pedal. The organ was completed shortly after the building in 1962. It was temporarily removed during renovations between 1966 and 1970.
The Markuskirche has a peal of four steel bells. They were cast by the Bochumer Verein in 1959. The community raised funds for the bells through donations. The foundry donated the fourth bell. The bells are named after the four evangelists. The Markus bell says: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” The Johannes bell says: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” The Matthew bell says: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” The Luke bell says: “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
So as you leave the Markuskirche, remember its history and its role in the community. Take a moment to appreciate the architecture. The Markuskirche is a symbol of faith and resilience.