Église luthérienne de la Cité de l’Ill

Gazing at the Église luthérienne de la Cité de l’Ill, can you envision it as a butterfly’s wings? The Église luthérienne de la Cité de l’Ill, nestled in Strasbourg’s Cité de l’Ill district, stands at the corner of Rue de l’Ill and Rue de la Fabrique. This modern marvel, completed in 1966, wasn’t always here. The area, once considered an extension of Robertsau, was largely undeveloped in the 1950s. The Protestant parish, encompassing a territory extending to Fuchs-am-Buckel, was established in 1960. Four years later, the first stone was laid for the Église luthérienne de la Cité de l’Ill, designed by architect Erasme Schwab. The construction, undertaken by Th. et Ed. Wagner, aimed to create a space for 200 worshippers and a youth center for 250. The butterfly wing design, as described by Francis Blanchard, former president of the presbyteral council, symbolizes protection for the parishioners. The Église luthérienne de la Cité de l’Ill celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2014. However, recent times have been challenging. The surrounding Cité de l’Ill faces socio-economic difficulties, and the church itself suffered from neglect, ultimately closing to the public in October 2022. Despite these hardships, the community persevered. Activities continued in the foyer and parvis, and the foyer opened its doors to other Christian communities. Monthly services, supported by the consistory parishes, were maintained. Following the passing of Pastor Frédéric Sétodzo in 2022, the community awaits a new pastor to guide them. The Église luthérienne de la Cité de l’Ill is at a crossroads. Plans are underway for its transformation into a Christian community center, a space for encounters and learning. This ambitious project aims to address the needs of the parish and the wider community. This dream, fueled by the spirit of unity and service, hopes to revitalize the Église luthérienne de la Cité de l’Ill and its surroundings.