Why does the Christuskirche in Chemnitz stand as a testament to faith? It embodies resilience and community spirit. The Christuskirchgemeinde Chemnitz came into existence in 2020. It resulted from the union of several Kirchgemeinden. Adelsberg, Euba, Kleinolbersdorf-Altenhain and Reichenhain joined forces.
The Christuskirchgemeinde aims to foster connections. They nurture relationships and extend invitations to embrace faith in Jesus Christ. The community takes responsibility in their districts. The name Christuskirchgemeinde reflects their dedication. They commit to Jesus Christ. They aim to serve him as a congregation. They extend an invitation to follow him.
The Christuskirche offers various services. Taizé prayers occur in the Adelsberg church. There are praise services with Kinderkirche also in Adelsberg. “Wenn es Himmel wird” Bible week events take place. These occur in Gemeindesaal Euba, Gemeindehaus Adelsberg, and other locations. A Jazzgottesdienst named “Great Hymns of faith” happens in Adelsberg church. There is also a praise and prayer evening for Good Friday in Euba church. Familyworship services are held in Gemeindesaal Euba. Furthermore, a concert service with a project choir and band is in Euba church.
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Now, stepping back to understand church construction in Chemnitz. In 1914, the Kreuzgemeinde began. The densely populated northern Kaßberg area separated from St. Pauligemeinde. A new parish was established with over 15,000 members. In 1911, land was acquired at Andréplatz for a community center. A parsonage with a community hall was erected. Chemnitz architect Heinrich Straumer designed them. Plans for a church building halted due to World War I. In 1925, four bells were acquired for the Kreuzgemeinde. They were placed in a temporary bell tower.
Concrete steps to build a church began in 1934. A competition among leading German architects took place. There were 52 entries. Professor Otto Bartning’s design won after lengthy discussions. On August 10, 1935, the foundation stone was laid. The festive inauguration of the new Kreuzkirche occurred on October 25, 1936.
Otto Bartning realized his artistic and liturgical ideas in many churches. The Chemnitz Kreuzkirche is one of his most important works. It is one of Saxony’s few new church buildings from the interwar period. It features a spacious hall church. It has low side aisles and a 40-meter-high bell tower. The building used a steel construction with stone cladding. The west gable uses Chloridschiefer. This gives a monumental effect. The interior was designed for Protestant preaching services. A low wrought-iron pulpit was central. It stood before the rows of pews. A high cross with a wall mosaic dominated the altar area. Opposite, the organ prospect formed a sounding conclusion. Carefully designed lighting bathed the room. It created a festive atmosphere.
Construction of the Kreuzkirche happened during the lead-up to war. A bomb shelter was included in the plans. This measure became necessary. In 1942, the bells were confiscated. They were used for armaments production. On March 5, 1945, the church burned in a bombing raid. The steel structure deformed. It collapsed, leaving only the gable walls and tower. The parsonage and community hall were also destroyed.
St. Pauli, the mother church, was also destroyed. In November 1945, both congregations merged. They formed the Pauli-Kreuz-Gemeinde. The Kreuzkirche became the new center. Its catchment area remained largely intact. The undamaged steel bells from Paulikirche were moved to its tower in 1947. After planning and clearing rubble, reconstruction began in 1951. Architects Dr. Georg Laudeley and August Kornfeld led the effort. The church regained its familiar exterior. A new interior concept was developed. The altar area was more elaborate. It included a monumental crucifix by Elly-Viola Nahmmacher. The walls featured a frieze by Curt Metze. It depicted scenes from the life of Jesus. Community rooms were added below the organ gallery.
The rebuilt Kreuzkirche was consecrated on October 24, 1954. The new organ completed the reconstruction in 1958. The Eule company built the organ like its predecessor. Minor changes occurred. A new organ was installed in the existing housing in 1993. The building retains its character to this day.
Today, the Christuskirche remains a vibrant center. It is a place where community thrives. It is a beacon that honors its past. It embraces the future with open arms.