Five bells ring out from Buddinge Kirke. Their harmonious chime echoes across the green space. This relatively new church boasts a simple yet timeless interior.
Buddinge Kirke is more than just a building. It is a testament to community spirit. Its story begins in 1957. Residents of the Vadgård area petitioned Gladsaxe Kirke. They longed for their own parish and priest. Their wish was granted. The new priest Borger H Bergmann championed the cause of a new church. A church committee formed in 1959. Their task was monumental. They needed land funding and architects.
Finding a suitable site proved challenging. Gladsaxe kommune initially offered land near Buddingevej and Fremtidsvej. However those plots were needed for a police station and courthouse. The committee settled on Buddingevej 293. This land held the remains of the old Buddinge Gadekær.
Initially the committee explored the possibility of a mobile church from the Kirkefondet. This plan failed. The bishop felt other areas in Greater Copenhagen had greater need. The search for an architect began. Many designs were considered. One early proposal came from Polish architect Kulesza. His design was submitted to the Ministry of Church’s international competition. The committee loved it. Negotiations with the Polish Trade Council ‘Polservice’ were difficult. The estimated cost proved too high even after revisions. The Polish project was abandoned.
Architects Ib and Jørgen Rasmussen were chosen. They incorporated the committee’s requirements for the church and its complex. Securing funding proved harder than expected. A self-build church was even considered. But this idea was dropped due to manpower concerns. A change in the law on church construction funding helped. Buddinge Kirke could now be built.
Construction occurred in phases. The first phase from April 1967 included the main church tower and offices. The foundation stone was laid on October 14th 1968. The church was dedicated on November 24th. Subsequent phases added a vestry meeting hall classrooms kitchen and chapel. Later additions included a youth room and a council chamber.
Buddinge Kirke’s five bells first rang on Christmas Eve 1968. They were cast and tuned simultaneously a rarity in Denmark at that time. The church’s 18-voice organ was dedicated in 1971. In 2003 it was expanded with 24 electronic voices. This hybrid organ blends pipes and electronics. The church received the ‘Prize for the Beautification of the Capital’ in 1972. You can see the plaque near the entrance. Buddinge Kirke stands as a testament to perseverance and community collaboration. A beautiful and functional church designed by exceptional architects. It’s a place of worship and a symbol of a community’s unwavering dedication.