Adventskirche

Gazing up at the Adventskirche, one might initially see just a simple structure. But this church holds a unique story within its walls. The Adventskirche in Schnelsen, on Hamburg’s northern edge, emerged from a post-war initiative. Built in 1949, it’s one of three “Notkirchen” (emergency churches) designed by Otto Bartning in Hamburg. These churches were part of a nationwide program to provide places of worship after the devastation of World War II. Bartning’s Bauhaus background influenced the design. He created a modular system for quick and efficient construction, resulting in forty churches across Germany. The Adventskirche, along with St. Markus and St. Martinus in Hamburg, reflect this ingenious approach. Many of these Bartning churches, including the Adventskirche, are now recognized as historically significant and are even considered for UNESCO World Heritage status. Look closely at the altar window, especially when sunlight streams through. These vibrant stained-glass panels are the work of Claus Wallner. He also created windows for Hamburg’s main church, St. Petri. The central window here depicts Jesus as “Judge of the World on the Rainbow,” a powerful and striking image. The Adventskirche’s history intertwines with the local community in compelling ways. One example involves the collaboration between the church, Schnelsen and Burgwedel residents to commemorate the “Children of Bullenhuser Damm,” twenty children murdered by the Nazis near the end of the war. New streets in Burgwedel were named after these children. A central square, named for ten-year-old Roman Zeller, holds a poignant memorial. The Russian artist Leonid Mogilevski created a stele. One side displays bronze portraits of the children with their names. The other side details the tragic events. This memorial, funded by donations, stands as a testament to community remembrance. A plaque at the Adventskirche’s pastorate building on Anna-Susanna-Stieg further honors their memory. So the next time you see the Adventskirche, remember it represents more than just a building. It embodies resilience, community, and a powerful story interwoven with Hamburg’s history.