Journey back in time with me as we stand before the Evangelische Kirche Gonzenheim. This church has stood here in Gonzenheim for centuries. The Evangelische Kirche Gonzenheim is more than just a building. It is a landmark in the Hochtaunuskreis.
Back in 1447, a parson was mentioned in Gonzenheim. It suggests a church was already here. But no documents prove it. What we do know is that in 1570, a church stood on this very spot. Over time, it was expanded and rebuilt. In 1686, a new Baroque tower was added. Two bells were hung in it in March 1687.
Fast forward to 1838. The tower’s condition was worrying. The church was small. The tower was falling apart. The community’s finances were dire. Pastor Rühl wrote many letters asking for help. Despite donations, there was not enough money for a new church. By 1845, only the tower’s construction was funded. Bauinspektor Jakob Westerfeld designed the tower in 1845. This allowed Baurat Louis Jacobi to add a new nave in 1876.
In the 1930s, the church’s interior was modernized. The beautiful ceiling and wall paintings from 1876 disappeared. The church became white. Windows and doors got black stripes. Scripture banners lined the upper walls. The colorful coffered ceiling was painted over in red-brown. The ornamental painting on the pilasters was also covered. The gallery was enlarged. The pulpit changed sides. The altar and chancel received red marble cladding. A large image of John the Baptist was placed where the pulpit once stood.
A renovation in 1977 brought back a bright and friendly color. The marble cladding on the walls and in the altar area was removed. In 2001, another renovation aimed to restore the original 19th-century colors. The white beams of the classical coffered ceiling are decorated with green, red, and yellow stencil paintings. The inside of the coffers shines in bright blue. The pilasters are light yellow with a blue stripe. This hints at the former ornamental band. To the left of the pulpit, you can see remnants of the old floral decorations. The chancel vault is also blue. The honey-colored oak pulpit and pews blend well with the new colors.
In December 2001, the church was rededicated. The community received a modern altar cross by artist Christiane von Kessel. The Evangelische Kirche Gonzenheim has a gilded silver chalice from 1575. It is mentioned in the oldest inventory from 1721. The oldest church book dates back to 1631.
Today, the Evangelische Kirche Gonzenheim continues to serve its community. It is supported by a Förderverein. The Förderverein supports the activities of the church. These activities include lectures and the youth work of the Pfadfinderbund Kreuzfahrer. As you leave this sacred space, remember the centuries of history held within these walls and the community that continues to thrive here.