Imagine free-thinking Catholics gathering here in Oerlikon. This is Christuskirche. It’s more than just a church. It’s a testament to a community’s resolve.
In 1883, a speech by Pfr. Franz Stubenvoll sparked something. It inspired freethinking Catholics to form the ‘Old Catholic Association Oerlikon and Surroundings’ in 1884. This association covered Oerlikon and other communities.
As Oerlikon became part of Zurich, the association dissolved in 1933. On January 1, 1934, it joined the Zurich parish. The original chapel on Magdalenenstrasse was aging. So in 1936, a decision for a new church was made.
Land was quickly found on Dörflistrasse. Amidst World War II, the parish approved the building of Christuskirche on September 8, 1940. Only 16 months later, on January 11, 1942, Bishop Adolf Küry dedicated the simple Christuskirche.
Look around and you’ll see how the art within Christuskirche is unique in Zurich. It holds medieval sculptures and paintings. It might be the Zurich church with the most pre-Reformation art.
The oldest piece is the “enthroned Peter” sculpture. It dates back to about 1330. Its hairstyle hints at southern France. The blessing hand shows Spanish influence.
Notice the crucifix above the pulpit. It comes from the Lake Constance area around 1350. The winged altar was created around 1450 in Bavaria. The central panel shows a crowded scene of Jesus’s crucifixion.
Also, note the late Gothic Maria. It’s attributed to Tilman Riemenschneider’s workshop. Don’t miss the newer art. Two icons above the candle stand depict the Annunciation.
Oscar Lüthy created the mosaics “Christus zwischen zwei Engeln” from 1941 to 1943. Emil Georg Bührle, a weapons manufacturer, funded them. Lüthy even won the Eidgenössischer Kunstpreis in 1943 for his work.
Christuskirche offers a space for quiet reflection. You can visit on Saturdays from 12:00 to 14:00. During this time, the church is open for moments of stillness and prayer. Every Sunday, a service with Eucharist takes place at 10:00 am. Every Wednesday there is a simple evening mass with Eucharist at 18:30.
Christuskirche’s art creates a spiritual atmosphere. It invites stillness, prayer and reflection. This Zurich treasure welcomes all.