Rebuilt from the ashes of war, what stories do you think the Erlöserkirche Borgfelde holds? The Erlöserkirche stands as a symbol of resilience. It represents faith in the heart of Hamburg-Borgfelde.
This church is not just a building. It is a testament to the community’s spirit after immense destruction. Let’s delve into its history. We will uncover the layers of time.
The original Erlöserkirche was inaugurated in November 1903. This marked the culmination of the Borgfelde parish’s separation from St. Georg two years prior. Georg Thielen designed the church in the Neuroman style. Fernando Lorenzen created a square interior with a central altar, pulpit and organ. Seating for 600 believers surrounded this sacred core.
Tragedy struck during the Hamburg firestorm in July 1943. The old Erlöserkirche was destroyed. Its ruins were eventually demolished in March 1950.
Yet, from the rubble, a new vision arose. On November 9, 1952, the new Erlöserkirche was consecrated. It was the first new church built in Hamburg after World War II. This date was deliberately chosen. It was one day before the 49th anniversary of its predecessor’s inauguration.
A memorial was added to the church’s east wall in June 1955. Hans Kock designed it. It honors the dead of both World Wars. The Erlöserkirche’s tower was completed in 1957. Its bells were consecrated in May. A community center followed in 1961. A daycare center opened in 1974.
Interestingly, the old Erlöserkirche’s parsonage survived the war. It was sold in 1990. In 2004, the parishes of St. Georg and Borgfelde reunited. The Erlöserkirche became part of the St. Georg-Borgfelde parish.
Today, the Erlöserkirche is vibrant. It especially welcomes Christians from Ghana. They celebrate their services here. The African Christian Church Hamburg and the Christ Ambassadors Ministries International use it every Sunday.
Since 2005, the tower of the Erlöserkirche has housed the office. It offers pastoral care for Africans in Hamburg. Intercultural projects blossomed. The Hamburg Gospel Ambassadors choir is there. So is Café Mandela.
Since 2013, the African Christian Church and St. Georg-Borgfelde have cooperated. They support the Afrikanisches Zentrum Borgfelde together. This collaboration has fostered an intercultural confirmation group. Volunteers and donations helped transform the parsonage. It became a welcoming space for various activities.
Henry Schlote and Friedrich Richard Ostermeyer designed the current building. It has a simple gabled roof. Small balconies on the tower provide decoration. The memorial on the east wall serves as a reminder. Segmental arches over the passages are a nod to pre-modern styles.
The interior mirrors the exterior’s simplicity. It features a flat ceiling and three naves. It evokes a Romanesque basilica. A rounded arch marks the altar area. Plain glass fills the tall windows. A simple wooden cross hangs behind the altar. Ursula Querner carved the pulpit walls. Fritz Fleer created reliefs for the baptismal font. They depict the baptism of Jesus and Noah’s Ark.
The Erlöserkirche Borgfelde is more than bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to Hamburg’s enduring spirit. It is a place of worship. It is a center for community. It is a beacon of hope.