“Elijah is my witness” could very well have been the motto during construction. Today, we’re standing before Eliaskirken. It is a testament to Copenhagen’s growth at the beginning of the 20th century. Eliaskirken stands as a beacon of faith and architectural innovation.
Eliaskirken is located in the heart of Vesterbro. It reflects the district’s diverse spirit. The Church of Denmark parish church was completed in 1908. Martin Nyrop designed it. He also designed Copenhagen City Hall. Eliaskirken was the largest church built by the Copenhagen Church Foundation.
The late 19th century saw Vesterbro’s population explode. St. Matthew’s Parish grew from 25,000 to 70,000 inhabitants. The Copenhagen Church Foundation sought to accommodate this growth. They built new churches in the expanding city districts. In 1898, the Church Foundation acquired this site on Vesterbro Torv. It was previously a timing belt factory. Martin Nyrop was commissioned to design the new church. Construction costs were estimated at DKK 200,000. Locals were expected to raise the money.
Nyrop’s design was revealed in 1900. The foundation stone was laid on Palm Sunday, April 8, 1906. The church was topped out later that year on December 16. Eliaskirken was consecrated on May 17, 1908. It became the fifth church in Vesterbro. More impressively it was the largest church ever built by the Church Foundation. The final construction costs reached DKK 317,050. This included DKK 81,000 for the site.
Eliaskirken became a stronghold. It became a stronghold for the Church Association for the Inner Mission in Denmark. The church’s architecture is Neo-Romanesque. It integrates seamlessly into the square’s row of houses. The twin towers dominate the west-facing facade. They draw inspiration from Tveje Merløse and Fjenneslev Churches. The exterior is clad in split sandstone. Its rough facade marked a new era in Danish architecture.
Look closely at the portal. It is split by a trumeau. This is a common feature in French Romanesque churches. The tympanum depicts the Ascension of Elijah. Angels flank the portal. They are singing and playing musical instruments. Rasmus Harboe created all the decorations.
Notice the broad, steep flight of stairs. They lead to the main entrance. A shed sits beneath the stairs. It was provided to the municipal park authority. It could store wheelbarrows and other tools. When Nyrop’s design was published, the city demanded rent. They wanted DKK 700 for the square’s area occupied by the stairs. The shed was a compromise. The stairs are clad in the same split sandstone from Nexø. Carved sheaves decorate it.
Inside Eliaskirken, you’ll discover three naves. A barrel-vaulted choir is raised eight steps above the nave. The interior walls are light-colored sandstone. Arcades separate the lateral naves from the central nave. A gallery sits in front of the three large windows. The windows face the square. The central nave has a raised section. It features a pitched skylight. This provides additional natural light.
The altarpiece was painted by Frans Schwartz. The church has been used as a filming location. It featured in the 1952 film “Avismanden.”
Today, Eliaskirken embraces Vesterbro’s diversity. It is a jazz church. Jazz services and concerts occur weekly. Every Wednesday, “Mening, tro & etik” offers contemporary lectures. Each lecture starts with a service. Eliaskirken also hosts the Vesterbro Gospel Choir. It is also home to Folkekirken for Internationals. This is an English-speaking community. Many Sunday services are in English. The church’s crypt houses AA groups. Night Light Café provides a refuge for foreign sex workers. Every day, Eliaskirken embraces Vesterbro’s colorful environment.
The church is often open. Take a walk up the steep stairs. Rest in the church’s space. The altarpiece reminds us that God is in the world. Eliaskirken stands as a testament to faith, community, and architectural vision. It welcomes all who seek solace and inspiration.