Christ König

In 1951, amidst the post-war reconstruction, a beacon of hope emerged in Cologne’s Longerich district: Christ König. This striking red-brick church, with its unique sloping roof, stands as a testament to the resilience and faith of the community. Christ König, designed by Cologne architect Fritz Schaller, was built for a modest 130,000 DM. Its construction, starting with the cornerstone laid by Stadtdechant Robert Grosche, culminated in its consecration on May 1, 1952, by Weihbischof Josef Ferche. Step inside Christ König, and you’ll be greeted by an open roof truss. This distinctive feature, a hallmark of Schaller’s designs, is supported by four V-shaped wooden beams. These beams divide the interior into three naves. They also evoke the image of the stable in Bethlehem, earning Christ König the local nickname “Weihnachtskirche,” or Christmas Church. The eastward-facing apse reflects the style of early Christian basilicas. The baptistery, located in the southwest, projects outward, adding a unique architectural touch. Inside Christ König, admire the craftsmanship of Cologne sculptor Elmar Hillebrand. He created the altar, tabernacle base, and pulpit, all based on Schaller’s designs. Hillebrand also designed the oval baptismal font, crafted from Muschelkalk stone with a carved oak cover. Look up to see the hanging altar cross from 1951, a work of German sculptor Hildegard Domizlaff. A particularly poignant feature is the Stations of the Cross. Hand-stitched with colored wool threads on linen, they were painstakingly restored after fire damage in 1977. A purple Passion cloth displays the instruments of Jesus’s suffering. The organ loft, a later addition based on Schaller’s plans, houses a 29-register organ built by the Seifert organ company in Kevelaer. The stained-glass windows, with the exception of the one in the altar area, are the work of sculptor and glass painter Ludwig Schaffrath, dating back to 1952. These windows, primarily ornamental in the nave, depict Christ the King above the four evangelist symbols in the back wall. The altar window, a later addition by an unknown artist, features an ornament with a laurel wreath and shell. Christ König’s story extends beyond its architecture and art. In 2004, it became the parish church of a newly merged congregation, uniting with St. Bernhard. This marked a significant step in the restructuring of the Archdiocese of Cologne. Later, in 2010, a further merger with St. Dionysius in the old Longerich town center established St. Dionysius as the main parish church. Christ König, along with St. Bernhard and St. Mary’s Church in Cologne-Lindweiler, now serve as branch churches of this larger community. Today, Christ König stands not only as a place of worship but as a protected landmark. Listed as a historical monument in 1999, it embodies the enduring spirit of faith and community.