Did a former car dealership become a spiritual hub? Indeed, it did. Here at Kronenmattenstraße 5, stands the Freie evangelische Gemeinde Freiburg. It’s not just a building. It’s a testament to a journey of faith, growth, and community. The Freie evangelische Gemeinde Freiburg began humbly in 1979. A small group gathered in a living room, guided by the verse from Acts 18:9-10, “I have many people in this city.” This fledgling community, led by Pastor Helmut Plenio, quickly blossomed. They outgrew the living room and moved to the dining hall of the Stadtmission. Soon, even that space proved too small. The congregation, now numbering 120-170 people, relocated to the lecture hall of the Children’s Hospital. Another move followed in November of that same year, landing them on Erbprinzenstraße. In 1982, the Freie evangelische Gemeinde Freiburg officially joined the Bund der FeGs and elected its first leadership team. The journey continued, marked by a persistent need for more space. By 1985, with 189 members, the congregation felt the urgency expressed in Joshua 18:3b, “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord…has given you?” The answer came in 1988. The Freie evangelische Gemeinde Freiburg finally found its home, right here at Kronenmattenstraße 5. The building, a former car dealership, underwent a transformation. Congregation members and friends poured their hearts and hands into renovating the space. The dedication ceremony in September was a joyous occasion, attended by supporters from near and far. An unexpected gift during this time allowed the congregation to expand the upper floor, demonstrating the power of generosity and shared vision. The Freie evangelische Gemeinde Freiburg continued to evolve. It faced leadership changes, witnessed the birth of a daughter congregation in Emmendingen, and invested in its youth programs, leading to thriving Sunday school and teen groups. The Freie evangelische Gemeinde Freiburg navigated periods of change and growth. It hosted large events like the 2003 Bible exhibition, which drew around 2,000 visitors. The congregation celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2004 and expanded its main hall the same year. The Freie evangelische Gemeinde Freiburg’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and deep community. It’s the story of a small group, guided by faith, that found a home and built a vibrant spiritual hub in a former car dealership.
Straßenwalze
Picture this a relic of Freiburg’s past. A Straßenwalze a road roller sits before you. Its iron frame speaks of