Contemplate for a moment the sturdy brickwork rising before you. This is the Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche zu Warnemünde. It stands as a testament to faith and resilience in this seaside town.
The Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche zu Warnemünde has stood for over a century. It is in the middle of town. The church is the heart of the Evangelical Lutheran congregation. It offers rest and prayer to the community and guests. It even protects against flooding.
Construction on this neogothic building began in 1866. It was consecrated in 1871. But this isn’t the first church to stand here. For around 600 years, an older church stood on the Warnow riverside. That old church burned down twice. After the new Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche zu Warnemünde was completed, the old one was demolished in 1872.
Architect Krueger of Schwerin designed the new building. Master builder Wachenhusen of Rostock built it. Originally, three narrow lancet windows were planned. These were for the transept facades. Frederick Francis II, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg, insisted on a single large window. Thus, the architects designed the rose windows we see today.
Step inside the Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche zu Warnemünde. Admire the Gothic carved altar. It dates back to around 1475. Rumor says it came from a shipwreck. An unknown master from Gdańsk created it. The altar was restored in 2010. Notice the odd arrangement of figures. They stand next to and behind each other. They are not connected by a common theme. A pillar divides them into two groups.
The crucifix in front of the altarpiece is the oldest artwork in the Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche zu Warnemünde. It was created in the early 15th century. It was in the same spot in the old fishermen’s church.
The renaissance pulpit was built in 1591. Local wood carver Hans Wegner created it. After the old church’s demolition, the pulpit went to the Rostock Museum. It was restored and completed in 1965. Then it was returned to the Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche zu Warnemünde.
Look for the statue of Saint Christopher. He is the Christ bearer with the Christ child on his shoulder. The Warnemünde community adores this portrait. Saint Christopher helped people cross waters. This was important to the local fishermen. The figure is made of oak. It is 3.72 meters high.
The organ was built in 1975. The Voigt Company from Bad Liebenwerda built it. The modern prospectus fits into the neogothic style. It has 1587 pipes and 22 stops.
Since 2007, a 300-year-old clockwork has been in the north wing. It came from the previous building. It shows the time in a special way. There is no hour hand.
Don’t miss the house marks. Locals carved these into the pews of the old Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche zu Warnemünde. About 60 pieces of wood were collected. They are now a display on the wall near the entrance.
Notice the votive ships. These are not in many churches. The Warnemünde harbor pilots gave them to the parish. These ships are offerings. They show gratitude for preservation and protection at sea.
Partially hidden in the grass is a large stone slab. It is the oldest hand-worked stone in Warnemünde. It was likely a gravestone from the 14th century.
The Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche zu Warnemünde stands as a symbol. It is a symbol of faith, history, and community. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty and significance.