Rising majestically in Döhren, the Auferstehungskirche isn’t just a church. It is a testament to faith and architectural innovation. We stand before a modern house of worship. It embodies the spirit of resurrection in its very design.
The Auferstehungskirche emerged from the growing community. It was founded on April 1 1957. It branched out from the St. Petri parish. This was due to the expanding area east of Hildesheimer Street.
Note the irregular hexagon shape. This unique layout directs focus to the altar. It embodies the concept of rising again. Architects Horst Langer and Andreas Friess completed this design in 1964. Their vision created one of Hanover’s most captivating post-war churches.
Look closely at the exterior. Red-brown bricks clad a concrete skeleton. Inside, white sand-lime bricks line the walls. The concrete frame supports the structure. It also enhances the visual appeal. The visible concrete on the gallery railings adds an interesting touch. The wooden ceiling features shadow joints. These are designed to evoke the feeling of being under a tent.
Notice the dimensions. The Auferstehungskirche stretches 34.90 meters long and 32.80 meters wide. Its highest point reaches 14.50 meters. The building covers 770 square meters. The main hall provides seating for approximately 320 people.
The freestanding bell tower stands at 39.5 meters. It is a striking concrete structure. The tower houses four bells. These bells create the “Resurrection” peal. Friedrich Wilhelm Schilling crafted these in 1963. Each bell bears the inscription “You shall be my witnesses”. This is a quote from Acts 1.8. Each bell also honors a witness to Christ’s resurrection.
Step inside the Auferstehungskirche. Here the altar draws your eye. This elegantly curved basalt altar serves as the church’s heart. Above it hangs a bronze crucifix. Siegfried Zimmermann designed both. The bronze-plated church door features a sunken relief. It depicts Moses and the burning bush.
Admire the colorful stained glass. Gerhard Hausmann created this radiant light band. It is a modern take on ancient window designs. This bathes the interior in vibrant hues.
Consider the organ. The Gebrüder Hillebrand Orgelbau workshop built it in 1969. It features 22 registers across two manuals and a pedal. These produce rich mechanical tones.
The Auferstehungskirche includes a chapel. It is located under the gallery. This provides a separate sacred space. Thus the building unites two sacred spaces under one roof.
Today the Auferstehungskirche stands as a protected monument. It is a testament to Hanover’s architectural heritage. It symbolizes hope. It represents new beginnings. It is a vital spiritual center.