Ever wondered about a church born from the earth itself? That’s Allehelgens Kirke. Let me tell you its story. Allehelgens Kirke stands on Ungarnsgade in Copenhagen’s Amager district. This church has a unique history.
The Kbenhavns Kirkefond, or Copenhagen Church Fund, played a vital role. They bought the land in the late 1800s. The land was then offered to Nathanael’s Church. This was to divide its large parish.
Thomas Havning designed Allehelgens Kirke. He proposed an underground crypt church. The foundation stone was laid in 1924. The initial cost was 122000 kroner. People felt uneasy. The building barely rose above ground. It sat in an open field.
Tall apartment blocks soon surrounded it. So, the congregation commissioned Havning again. They wanted a full building. This new Allehelgens Kirke would have 550 seats. It cost 280000 kroner. It was consecrated on September 25 1932.
Allehelgens Kirke became a hub for the Oxford Group. This movement was significant until 1940. The church underwent a major renovation in 1977 and 1978. Hans Anker Jrgensen served as a notable priest from 1976 to 1979. He was a hymn writer.
Today Allehelgens Kirke hosts a Filipino congregation. It continues to be a place of worship. Allehelgens Kirke’s journey reflects community. It shows faith and architectural adaptation. Next time you pass by take a moment. Remember the story of Allehelgens Kirke. It rose from humble beginnings to serve its community.