Originally envisioned as the Church of the Resurrection, this sacred space became known as the Emmauskirche Vogelsang. It is named after the biblical story of Emmaus in Luke. Two disciples met the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus.
Here at Emmauskirche Vogelsang, we stand before a testament to faith and community. The story of this church begins not with grand pronouncements but with a pressing need. After World War II the Protestant community in Vogelsang grew quickly. Before the Emmauskirche Vogelsang was built, services were held in a school. Imagine attending confirmations, weddings, and baptisms in other churches!
Finally, in 1954, land was purchased and construction began. By December 11, 1955, the Emmauskirche Vogelsang was consecrated. The architect Werner Haupt designed a simple and welcoming space. The rectangular hall church features a semicircular choir. A flat gable roof rests on steel concrete beams. This also forms the church ceiling. The altar, pulpit, and baptismal font are elevated by two steps. The pews accommodate about 220 people.
The name “Emmauskirche Vogelsang” was suggested by Hans Maaßen. He was the administrative office manager at the time. The Emmaus story tells of a place of comfort, hope, and shared meals. Vogelsang was about two hours from Cologne’s city center.
The Emmauskirche Vogelsang has a special atmosphere. This comes from the tall, narrow altar window. It depicts the resurrected Christ in vibrant colors. Opposite the window, on the organ loft, is a dark rosette with a cross. These beautiful stained-glass windows are the work of K. Hermanns. He was from Peter Winnen’s workshop in Cologne. A 14.5-meter-high bell tower stands beside the church.
In August 1959, the Emmauskirche Vogelsang finally got its bells. The community gathered at the entrance to Vogelsang. They followed the bells which were transported on a presbyter’s truck. As a sign of ecumenical unity, the bells of St. Konrad rang too. It is the Catholic Church at Vogelsanger Markt. The middle bell bears an inscription from the Emmaus story. It says: “Stay with us, Lord, for evening is coming and the day is far spent.”
It took until 1970 for the Emmauskirche Vogelsang to get an organ. The two-manual organ was built by W. Peters. It replaced the old harmonium. Over the years, the church complex grew. A two-group kindergarten was added in 1957. It was expanded in 1997 with help from parents and the community. A parsonage was added in 1963. The new community center was completed in 1973. The Emmauskirche Vogelsang was renovated in 1998. It received new heating, lighting, and a fresh coat of paint.
The Emmauskirche Vogelsang has been led by five pastors. Each one has contributed to the community. Today, the Emmauskirche Vogelsang stands as a beacon of faith. May it continue to be a place where people experience God’s blessing. “Lord, stay with us.”