Altlutherische Kirche

Did Amalia Franziska Focke know the impact she would have on Essen’s religious landscape? Here we stand before the Altlutherische Kirche, a testament to her unwavering faith. The Altlutherische Kirche, also known as the Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche, graces the Moltkeplatz. Its history intertwines with the resilience of those who held firm to their Lutheran beliefs against the tide of the Prussian Union. The story begins in 1844 with Amalia, wife of Bergrat Karl Friedrich Wilhelm Focke. She was the sole Lutheran in Essen. Undeterred, she held house services, nurturing the first seeds of a community. These gatherings, initially at the Focke residence, marked the humble beginnings of the Altlutherische Kirche. By 1861, Essen was officially recognized as a Lutheran preaching site by Breslau’s Oberkirchenkollegium. The congregation, now without the Fockes’ home, found refuge with the Dutmann family. Later, they secured a room at Schlossermeister Schneider’s place on Postallee 40. The congregation steadily grew, particularly with the arrival of Franz Hermann Ziemer, a Krupp engineer, in 1873. He found the small gathering place almost “prächtig” compared to his former church in Altwerder. A generous offer from Max Huyssen provided a larger space until 1877, fostering further growth. Pastor Julius Greve oversaw significant expansion, making Essen the largest congregation within the Ku00f6ln-Du00fcsseldorf-Essen parish. The Altlutherische Kirche’s physical presence took shape in 1910. Otto Bartning, a renowned architect, designed the rectangular hall church with its distinctive campanile-like tower. The church’s design, with its concrete pillars and arched windows, bears a resemblance to his earlier Friedenskirche in Peggau. Tragically, the church suffered damage during World War II. However, its resilient spirit mirrored the community it served, leading to its restoration in 1948, a beacon of hope amidst the post-war devastation. In 2010, a century after its inauguration, it was designated the “Bartning Church of the Year,” a testament to its enduring significance. The Altlutherische Kirche stands today as a symbol of perseverance, a tribute to Amalia Focke and all those who championed Lutheranism in Essen. Their unwavering faith echoes in the very stones of this beautiful church.