Built in 1723-24 the Heidelberg Erlöserkirche stands before you. It was originally the convent church for Dominican nuns. Their convent stood at the corner of Plöck and Schießtorstraße. The church was dedicated to Saint Catherine of Siena. This wasn’t always its purpose though.
After the convent’s closure in 1802 the building had many uses. For a time it served as a hospital for Lutherans. Later it became a Catholic women’s vocational school. That school was eventually demolished. The Erlöserkirche however remained. It became a church for the English community in Heidelberg.
Its time as the English Chapel ended with the outbreak of World War I. Germany and England were at war. The church closed. It then became an assembly hall for a nearby school. Imagine the sounds of schoolgirls replacing hymns.
In 1936 the Erlöserkirche found its current purpose. It was given to the Old Catholic community. They had previously used St Anna’s Church and then the choir of the Heiliggeistkirche. Bishop Erwin Kreuzer consecrated it as the Old Catholic Erlöserkirche. This wasn’t the end of its eclectic history however.
The English community in Heidelberg reformed in 1971. They now share the Erlöserkirche. The simple hall church has seen many changes over the centuries. Most of its interior is from the 20th century. A notable exception is the Baroque organ loft. The colorful windows are from 1962. They depict the Tree of Life the pouring out of grace the baptismal waters of the Jordan the Heavenly Jerusalem and the fiery pillar of the Exodus from Egypt. These were designed by Harry MacLean. He also created the tabernacle baptismal bowl bronze cross on the outer wall and the bronze portal.
The bronze portal depicts the commissioning of the disciples according to John 20:20-22. The cross’s gently rising arms and crown of thorns transforming into a halo symbolize the inseparable nature of crucifixion and resurrection in faith. The Erlöserkirche’s story reflects Heidelberg’s rich and layered history. It’s a testament to faith community and adaptation. A small unassuming building yet its story speaks volumes.