Evangelische Glaubenskirche Gemeindezentrum

Nestled in northern Fechenheim, the Evangelische Glaubenskirche Gemeindezentrum isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a story etched in brick and glass, a testament to community and faith. The Evangelische Glaubenskirche Gemeindezentrum’s history stretches back to a modest structure built in 1956. It was a haven for the growing community. People no longer had to trek two kilometers to Riederwald or Melanchthonkirche for services. Yet, time took its toll. By the 1990s, the building was showing its age, a far cry from the image of an open and welcoming community. Then came a bold decision. A decision to rebuild. The renovation, funded by the Protestant Church in Hessen and Nassau, aimed to revitalize the space. The Evangelische Glaubenskirche Gemeindezentrum was to become a beacon in the community. Architect Professor Michael von Törne was tasked with this transformation. He created a harmonious space. The design incorporated the brick facades of the former Cassella company, now Clariant and Allessa-Chemie. This visual echo connected the Evangelische Glaubenskirche Gemeindezentrum to the area’s industrial heritage. Many residents still had ties to the company. The brick also linked the Gemeindezentrum seamlessly with the adjoining Sonnenschein kindergarten. Inside the Evangelische Glaubenskirche Gemeindezentrum, a striking golden cross dominates the altar wall. Its unusual proportions, with an overwide crossbeam and a narrow length beam, were initially a point of contention. But this was intentional. The cross was meant to be a “stumbling block”, a reminder of the brutal instrument of execution. It symbolizes how a man executed on a cross could establish new paths of faith. The Gemeindezentrum also houses subtle references to Abraham, the father of faith, with a “starry sky” ceiling and a sandy floor. The bell carries the inscription “The righteous shall live by faith” from Habakkuk 2:4. The Evangelische Glaubenskirche Gemeindezentrum stands as a symbol of renewal. Its story resonates. It is not merely a building, but a living embodiment of a community’s faith.