Ever wondered about the story behind this seemingly simple building? This is the Apostolische Gemeinde Essen-Mitte. It stands on Grusonstraße. It has served the community for decades.
The church’s history began much earlier than this building. The origins trace back to 1904 and 1905. The initial meeting place was on Cranachstraße. Priester Friederich Adolphs was the first leader there.
By the 1930s, the congregation had grown. It had about 730 members. Hirte Franz Behrendt assisted Vorsteher Kirchner starting in July 1939.
Tragedy struck during World War II. On July 12, 1942, a bomb damaged the church. It was repaired. However, on March 11, 1945, another bomb destroyed it completely during a major Essen attack.
Apostel Peter Kuhlen decided it should not be rebuilt at the old location. But space was limited. The church leadership in Düsseldorf approved rebuilding on the same site. From February to September 1946, the church was rebuilt. Franz Behrendt led the congregation from March 1946 to about 1951. Franz Erich Schlitzkus followed him for a year. Herbert Kloß then led from July 1952 to July 1953. Franz Hartel then took over.
Apostel Siegfried Dehmel conducted the last sealing before the split on November 4, 1954.
In 1963, this new church building was constructed. It was inaugurated on December 8, 1963. Apostel Peter Kuhlen led the service. The Bible verse was from Luke 2:41-50. Initially, the church had 430 seats. The seating arrangement has changed over time.
Sadly, the Apostolische Gemeinde Essen-Mitte held its last service on October 24, 2021. The remaining members joined congregations in Essen-Borbeck or Oberhausen. The building is now being sold. It needs significant repairs.
Despite its closure, the Apostolische Gemeinde Essen-Mitte remains a significant part of local history. It is a testament to the community’s resilience. It shows their dedication to faith. It is a place that once echoed with sermons, songs, and the shared experiences of its members.