Auferstehungskirche

Gazing at the Auferstehungskirche, one might hear whispers of its intriguing past. This architectural marvel, nestled in Bonn’s Venusberg district, has served as a beacon of faith for over half a century. The Auferstehungskirche first opened its doors on October 27, 1957. It offered a spiritual home to the Protestant community in the Ippendorf and Venusberg districts. Before the Auferstehungskirche’s construction, the faithful gathered at Bonn’s Lutherkirche, the sole undamaged Protestant church after World War II. Later, services were held in the old community center starting in 1954. The establishment of a ninth parish position for the Protestant community in Bonn on January 1, 1954, specifically for Venusberg and Ippendorf, marked a significant step towards establishing a dedicated church in the area. The Auferstehungskirche became that church. The church’s design, a circular structure crowned with a ring of windows, is the brainchild of Düsseldorf architect Denis Boniver. His design echoes the work of Otto Bartning, who designed Essen’s Auferstehungskirche in the 1920s. The cornerstone of Bonn’s Auferstehungskirche was laid on February 24, 1957. Inside the Auferstehungskirche, a five-tiered high choir supports the altar, positioned opposite the entrance. The imposing pulpit sits to the right of the altar, and the organ, installed in 1963 by Bonn organ builder Johannes Klais, resides on the left. Beneath the organ, nestled in a niche, lies the baptismal font. These three key elements – the altar, pulpit, and baptismal font – are crafted from shell limestone by Mettmann stonemason Horst Strempler. Behind the altar, a simple, six-meter-high cross, made by a local carpenter from Ippendorf, hangs serenely. Above the pulpit, a bronze Corpus Christi by Josef Elter, originally crafted in mirabelle wood and cast only twice, adds to the church’s artistic richness. Three stained-glass windows by Johannes Schreiter, created in 1957, depict powerful imagery: the “Phoenix from the Ashes,” the “Pelican Feeding its Young,” and the “Lamb with the Victory Banner,” all rendered in antique glass and lead. These symbolic representations add layers of meaning to the church’s ambiance. A star-shaped wooden ceiling cleverly conceals the overhead utility lines, adding a touch of aesthetic ingenuity to the space. The Auferstehungskirche, a testament to post-war resilience and community spirit, continues to stand tall, inviting all who seek solace and inspiration. It offers a place of worship and prayer, but also serves as a venue for musical events. The Auferstehungskirche has been a protected architectural monument since 1999. This unique structure, with its rich history and captivating details, stands as a reminder of the power of faith and the enduring spirit of Bonn.