Gemeindezentrum Christ-König

“A church made of wood?” I overheard a child ask his mother outside Gemeindezentrum Christ-König. It’s a question many might have upon first seeing this unique structure in Frankfurt-Praunheim. The Gemeindezentrum Christ-König, part of the Catholic parish of Sankt Marien, stands as a testament to the evolving needs of a community. Its story begins in 1930, amidst the innovative housing projects of the “New Frankfurt” movement. Originally intended as a community center, the plot of land on Damaschkeanger was acquired by the burgeoning Catholic community when the original project failed to materialize. The architect Martin Weber designed a simple, cubic wooden church, a far cry from the grand stone structures often associated with religious buildings. This modest structure was consecrated on December 20, 1930, and dedicated to Christ the King. It represents one of the earliest churches with this dedication following Pope Pius XI’s establishment of the Feast of Christ the King in 1925. The Gemeindezentrum Christ-König wasn’t always as it appears today. In 1951, the congregation gained independence, and architects Hermann Mäckler and Alois Giefer were tasked with transforming the original wooden structure. This renovation, completed in 1956, marked a significant step in the Gemeindezentrum Christ-König’s evolution. Yet another transformation took place in 1975 under the guidance of architect Hans Busch. He reoriented the interior, shifting the altar’s position by 90 degrees. He also added the Gemeindezentrum, or community center, expanding the church’s role beyond solely worship. Now the Gemeindezentrum Christ-König serves as a hub for the community. The Gemeindezentrum Christ-König’s architecture reflects its integration within the surrounding residential area. Its cubic form mirrors the three-story, flat-roofed houses of the Praunheim settlement. The building’s red facade and slightly elevated position at a bend in the road make it stand out. A bell tower and a fish-shaped mosaic by Hans Leistikow on the west facade subtly hint at the building’s sacred purpose. Inside, wooden structures define the ceiling and gallery. Behind the altar, a large glass wall bathes the space in natural light and provides a view of the northwest courtyard. The altar area, elevated by a single step, is surrounded by movable chairs, offering flexibility. Adding a touch of artistry, the wall paintings are the work of Jupp Jost. A separate chapel, located in the north section, features a concrete glass window designed by Hans Busch. The exterior walls of the Gemeindezentrum Christ-König showcase another layer of the community’s story. Biblical motifs and verses, created by the youth and confirmation groups, adorn the facade. These vibrant expressions of faith connect the Gemeindezentrum Christ-König to the next generation. Today, Gemeindezentrum Christ-König stands not only as a place of worship, but as a living chronicle of a community’s growth and adaptation.