Gazing at the Emmauskirche, what stories do these weathered stones whisper? The Emmauskirche stands before us, a testament to centuries of faith and community. It has witnessed the ebb and flow of life in Frankfurt-Eschersheim since 1754. Originally consecrated as a Reformed church, the Emmauskirche replaced an older, pre-Reformation structure. This earlier building was dedicated to St. Peter. The current Emmauskirche blends Baroque and Classical styles, lacking the distinct hallmarks of either.
Inside, a two-sided gallery embraces the congregation. The choir, possibly Gothic and a remnant of the previous church, features a five-part closure. Exterior buttresses strengthen the choir. Stained-glass windows depict Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon. These figures are unusual for a formerly Reformed church. They were added in the first half of the 20th century. A modest tower, resembling a ridge turret, crowns the gable. It was added in 1768. This type of tower is common in churches of the former County of Hanau-Münzenberg. One bell dates back to 1661. The other was cast in 1950. A sacristy was added in 1954. The Emmauskirche is a protected cultural monument under Hessian law.
The organ’s journey to the Emmauskirche has its own tale. Initially, the church declined an offer to acquire an organ from the Lutheran church in Ginnheim. The presbytery, you see, didn’t want a “Lutheran” organ. The present organ, installed in 1909, came from Wilhelm Ratzmann in Gelnhausen. It was later renovated and expanded in 1953, 1960, and 1991. The Emmauskirche’s name wasn’t chosen until 1929. Before then, it was simply known as the “Evangelical Church” of Eschersheim. The name “Emmaus” connects it to the biblical story of Jesus appearing to his disciples after the resurrection.
In 1939, under the guidance of Pastor Petzold, the interior underwent a transformation. New pews replaced old ones. An electric heating system was installed. A new baptismal font was added. A crucifix, carved by an Oberammergau woodcarver, was placed above the altar. During World War II, the Emmauskirche suffered damage from air raids. In 1943 and 1945, windows, including those in the choir, were shattered. Two incendiary bombs struck the roof. Thankfully, the church warden, Mr. Schenderlein, extinguished them. The growth of Eschersheim after the war led to the establishment of the Andreasgemeinde in 1953 as a second Protestant congregation.
The Emmauskirche also fostered musical traditions. In 1954, the Friends of Church Music was founded to support the organ’s renovation and evening concerts. Herbert Manfred Hoffmann, organist and choir director since 1953, founded the Frankfurt Kantatenkreis (later Kantatenchor) at the Emmauskirche. The Emmauskirche stands as more than just bricks and mortar. It embodies the spirit of community and faith. It continues to serve Frankfurt-Eschersheim as a place of worship, reflection, and connection to the past.