Gazing at the simple cross atop the main gable, one might ponder the story of the Ev.-Luth. Kirche Dresden-Prohlis. This church stands as a testament to faith and community in the heart of Prohlis. Its story began long before its physical structure. Prohlis was once part of the Dresdner Frauenkirche parish until 1674. Later, it was associated with Dresden-Leubnitz.
In 1931, the Prohlis congregation became an outpost of Leubnitz. A priest was assigned to help. Services occurred in the old village school. Later, they moved to the Prohlis Inn. Architect Johannes Blauert was tasked with designing a community center in 1936. It would include a church, a community hall, and a war memorial. World War II halted these plans.
For years, the community lacked proper church space. Makeshift arrangements had to suffice until 1946. In 1946, a small chapel opened in Prohlis Castle. It became the heart of the community.
The construction of the new Prohlis housing area marked a new chapter. In 1978, Prohlis joined with Dresden-Reick and Torna to form a new parish. After the Prohlis Castle was deemed unsafe, the search for a new space began. For years, a five-room apartment served as their place of worship.
Thanks to the “Churches for New Cities” program, the Ev.-Luth. Kirche Dresden-Prohlis became a reality. West Germany’s Protestant Church provided help. Heiner Göpfert was the architect behind this sacred building. The foundation was laid on August 23, 1980. The dedication took place on October 10, 1982. Superintendent Christof Ziemer said that God needs no impressive building to seem approachable. He offers a center for rest and strength for Christians.
The church’s exterior is modest. It does not compete with the surrounding high-rise buildings. It stands as a humble dwelling of God among the people. A small cross identifies it as a church.
Under its tent-like roof, designed by Klaus Dennhardt, people gather. They come for traditional church activities. These include preschool groups, senior groups, and musical events. The Ev.-Luth. Kirche Dresden-Prohlis hosts community festivals and youth programs. The church aims to be a place for reflection and fellowship. The Ev.-Luth. Kirche Dresden-Prohlis underwent external changes starting in 2004.
In December 1988, the Jehmlich organ was consecrated. It featured 13 stops across two manuals and a pedal. The organ has mechanical slider chests. After the end of the GDR, a bell tower was finally approved. In 2003, an architectural competition was held. Eberhard Bauer designed the 30-meter tower. Its foundation was laid on October 21, 2005.
Two bronze bells were cast in Passau. The “Love Bell” bears the inscription “God is Love.” The “Faith Bell” reads “Hold fast to prayer.” The bell tower was inaugurated on January 22, 2006.
Since January 1, 2021, the Prohlis and Leubnitz parishes have reunited. Together with Lockwitz, Bannewitz, and Strehlen, they form the Dresden South parish. The Prohliser Frhstück has been a weekly meeting. It offers a contact point for the unemployed and those in need.
In 2022, the Ev.-Luth. Kirche Dresden-Prohlis celebrated its 40th anniversary. The church was the first in a new development area when it was dedicated in 1982. Since the 1930s, the congregation had been meeting in various locations. These included a village school, an inn, and a room in Prohlis Castle.
The Ev.-Luth. Kirche Dresden-Prohlis remains committed to those on society’s margins. It established the open youth club PEP in the 1980s. The church introduced communion for children 40 years ago. The Ev.-Luth. Kirche Dresden-Prohlis is linked with the Markuskirche in Hannover. It also has ties with a reformed community in Leiden, Netherlands.