“Dietrich Bonhoeffer,” a name synonymous with courage. He was a Lutheran theologian. He stood against the Nazi regime. Here at the Gemeindehaus Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Gemeinde, we remember his legacy. This congregation has a rich history. It started with the merging of Bonhoeffer, Christus, and Matthäus congregations in 2001. The Bodelschwinghgemeinde joined in 2006. These original congregations have histories that stretch back to 1928. This history helped them unite. They formed the Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Gemeinde.
The Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Kirche, part of this Gemeinde, stands in Rahlstedt. It marks the location on Greifenberger Straße. It is one of four churches in the Meiendorf-Oldenfelde parish. A new congregation formed in Oldenfelde in 1959. The first building was a community center. A church was needed in the growing area between Rahlstedt and Berne. The current location on Greifenberger Straße was chosen.
Architect Otto Andersen’s design was chosen in 1963. Construction started in 1964. It included the community center and a parsonage. The cornerstone was laid on July 30, 1965. These buildings surround a courtyard. A striking 45-meter tower marks the site. The tower’s construction was unconventional. A foundation was built first. A prefabricated steel lattice was placed on it. This formed the tower’s helmet. The church’s tent-like shape reflects a biblical nomad’s tent. It symbolizes a new home for refugees.
The community center was dedicated on October 10, 1965. The church was consecrated on November 6, 1966. Karl Hasselmann officiated. A sister of Dietrich Bonhoeffer attended.
Inside the Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Kirche, the triangular roof dominates. The main window echoes this shape. The organ completes the space. Fritz Fleer created the simple altar and baptismal font. Gabriele Marwede crafted the crucifix. Two large candleholders add to the décor. A candle stand was a gift. It came from the Poppenbüttel Wittenburg partner parish. It marked the church’s 25th anniversary. An offering candleholder was created in 2000. Andreas Kahl’s metal workshop made it.
The church boasts a striking feature. It has a 10-meter-high stained-glass window. Ernst Günter Hansing designed it. Some call it the largest concrete glass window in Europe. The window’s size was dictated by the church’s dimensions. Günter Kruse from Flensburg crafted it. The window needed stability. It also needed flexibility. This ensured good acoustics. It also allowed for expansion.
The window features abstract shapes. Blue and violet dominate. Red edges add contrast. A red and orange area highlights the triangle’s top. Opaque concrete blocks shape the bright surface.
Hansing offered a sparse interpretation at the church’s 40th anniversary. He wanted to show Bonhoeffer’s powerful faith. He left further interpretations to the viewer. He called the window “visible sensations.”
Four bells reside in the tower. They were cast by Glockengießerei Bachert. Their names are Freude, Friede, Gerechtigkeit, and Freiheit. These translate to Joy, Peace, Justice, and Freedom.
In 1973, the Schuke organ from Berlin was dedicated. Before that, concerts were played on a mini-organ.
The Gemeindehaus Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Gemeinde stands as a testament to faith. It honors a man who stood for his beliefs. May we all find inspiration in his unwavering spirit.