Hans Tausens Kirke

Gazing at Hans Tausens Kirke, one might hear whispers of Reformation zeal. Hans Tausens Kirke stands proudly on Islands Brygge in Copenhagen. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of Hans Tausen, a key figure in the Danish Reformation. The church’s story begins in the early 20th century when Islands Brygge, then part of Christianshavn Parish, yearned for its own spiritual home. In 1915, the first part of Hans Tausens Kirke, now the congregation hall, was built thanks to funds from the Copenhagen Church Fund, the Hans Tausen Fund, and local residents. The main church building followed in 1924, designed by architects Fredrik Appel and Kristen Gording. Finally, the distinctive tower was completed in 1936, giving the church its present form. Inside Hans Tausens Kirke, a model for the bronze statue of Tausen in Ribe Cathedral, crafted by Johannes Bjerg, stands as a tribute. The altar and a cross, fashioned by Pastor Fritz Lerche, who served the church from 1919 to 1964, add personal touches. A red brick cross from St. Nikolaj Kirke, where Tausen first preached, connects the church to his beginnings. Hans Tausens Kirke isn’t just a historical landmark. It’s a vibrant community hub, even facilitating cultural groups like the Chamber Choir Musica. The church is a blend of past and present, quietly echoing the fervor of the Reformation while serving the modern community of Islands Brygge.