Perhaps you’ve heard the harmonious bells echoing across Jerusalem. These bells belong to the Church of the Ascension. This church stands proudly as one of the highest points in Jerusalem. It rises 850 meters above sea level nearly 1300 meters above the Dead Sea. The Church of the Ascension’s location offers visitors a unique perspective.
Let’s delve into the history and artistry that make the Church of the Ascension so remarkable. Kaiser Wilhelm II and his wife Auguste Victoria visited Palestine in 1898. They approved the German Protestant community’s request. The community wanted to build a nursing home and a hospice on the Mount of Olives. The foundation stone was laid in 1907. The hospice and the Church of the Ascension were dedicated in 1910. However construction wasn’t fully complete for another four years.
The Church of the Ascension is built in Wilhelminian-Byzantine style. A massive second wall protects the facade from strong winds and rain. This architectural choice reflects both beauty and practicality.
Inside the Church of the Ascension artistic treasures await. The ceiling frescoes and mosaics are truly remarkable. H. Schaper and E. Pfannschmift designed the mosaics. The workshop Puhl und Wagner from Berlin executed them. These are the same artists who created the mosaics in the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin.
Empress Auguste Victoria requested a specific scene for the apse mosaic. It shows Christ ascending to heaven on a mandorla of clouds. This depiction comes from the Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11. The lunette mosaics in the choir display the worship of the Magi and the crucifixion of Jesus. They mark the beginning and end of Jesus’ earthly life. Gallery mosaics depict “Jesus visiting Mary and Martha in Bethany” and “Jesus prophesying the destruction of Jerusalem”. Crests of the Kaiser’s family members adorn the lower part of the choir.
The center of the church ceiling displays a fresco of Christ Pantocrator. He is shown as the ruler of the world with the Alpha and Omega in his hand. Symbols of the four Evangelists archangels and the twelve Apostles surround him. Frescoes in the side aisles portray King Solomon and prophets. The trinity of King David priest Melchizedek and prophet Isaiah are also depicted. Above the choir a fresco displays the medieval “Urbis Sancta Jerusalem”. Four kings from the Crusades era surround it. Benefactors Kaiser Wilhelm II and Kaiserin Auguste Victoria wearing medieval clothing are painted on the organ gallery ceiling.
Local stonemasons created the stonemasonry. The detailed craftsmanship is particularly interesting. The floor features Byzantine patterns. Light floods in warm colors through the gold glass and heraldic arms in the windows. This creates an atmosphere of harmony.
The Church of the Ascension tower is the highest lookout point in Jerusalem. Breathtaking views of Jerusalem’s Old and New Cities and the Judean Desert can be enjoyed. On clear days one can see the Dead Sea the mountains of Jordan and even Amman.
The bells in the tower ring the notes of G B D and E. They harmonize with the bells of the Dormition Abbey and the Church of the Redeemer in the Old City. The Franz Schilling company cast three bells in 1909. A fourth bell was added later. Bell I is named Herrenmeister and strikes note G. Bell II is Deutscher Kaiser striking note B. Bell III is Kaiserin striking note D. Bell IV is Friede striking note E.
The Kaiserin Auguste Victoria Foundation’s festival hall is behind the church galleries. The magnificent room served as the hospital’s emergency operating theater for some time. It is now used for receptions lectures music and exhibitions.
The Church of the Ascension houses paintings including “Christ enters Jerusalem” by Felix Possart. “The Holy Night” by Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich is also displayed. It is a copy of Antonio da Correggio’s “La Notte”.
Wilhelm Sauer from Frankfurt an der Oder built the organ. It has been fully preserved. The Sauer organ has a uniformity of tone that is unparalleled. The church and organ were constructed simultaneously. This facilitated a unique dialogue between the organ and the church’s original acoustics.
Over the years the Church of the Ascension has witnessed history unfold. It served as the German-Turkish general staff headquarters during World War I. The British occupied the building complex in 1917. A major earthquake damaged the building in 1927. Today the Church of the Ascension stands as a testament to history art and faith. It is a place where visitors can experience both breathtaking views and profound spiritual moments.