Isn’t it remarkable that a church could rise from the ashes of war? We are standing before Heilig-Geist. It is a testament to faith and community spirit in Dortmund-Wellinghofen. This church has a history woven with resilience and devotion.
Heilig-Geist’s story starts long before this building existed. In the 9th century, a church community was first mentioned in the Wellinghofen area. The Reformation brought changes and the parish seat moved to Hörde.
Fast forward to 1920. The Catholic Men’s and Youth Association “Liborius” was founded. They collected funds for a church in Wellinghofen. Their dedication laid the foundation for what we see today.
In 1941, a significant step was taken. A parish vicariate was established for Wellinghofen. It included Benninghofen and Wichlinghofen. Walter Dippold. He was the second vicar of the Herz-Jesu community. He was entrusted with pastoral care. The first holy mass was celebrated in a converted hall. It was in the Mayfeld inn. This makeshift church became a vital place of worship.
Tragedy struck during the Second World War. In 1944 and 1945, bomb attacks twice destroyed the emergency church. Yet, the parishioners rebuilt it each time. This shows their unyielding commitment. Showing true solidarity, the Catholic community offered their space to the Protestant community. Their churches had also been destroyed.
After the war, Eduard Hanisch became the parish vicar in 1947. He was the first priest to reside locally. From then on, a daily holy mass was held in the emergency church. The community was growing. The Catholic Men’s Association KAB St. Liborius was founded in 1948. They continued the traditions of the old Liborius Association.
The dream of a permanent church became closer to reality in 1950. The church building association was founded. They aimed to raise funds to purchase land. After negotiations, they acquired the land. It was at the corner of Preinstraße and Auf den Porten.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place in 1955. General Vicar Dr. Wilhelm Tuschen laid the foundation stone soon after. Just eight weeks later, the topping-out ceremony was celebrated. A bell gifted from the Stiftskirche Dortmund-Hörde was raised. It was hoisted into the tower by construction workers. Six granite columns were used. They once formed the high altar of the Herz-Jesu mother church. A heavy sandstone slab was placed on them, completing the high altar. The old tabernacle from the emergency church was used initially. Later, Maria Wiederhold donated a new tabernacle. Josef Amberg from Würzburg crafted it. He also created the baptismal font.
In October 1955, the Blessed Sacrament was carried in a procession. It was carried from the emergency church to the nearly completed building. General Vicar Dr. Wilhelm Tuschen blessed the church. He handed it over to the community for worship.
Finally, in 1956, Bishop Franz Hengsbach consecrated the church. The church windows are designed by Wilhelm Buschulte. The window on the organ represents a motif from the “Book of Revelation”. The Heilig-Geist community received its own property administration.
Over the years, Heilig-Geist has continued to evolve. It has served the community in various ways. A kindergarten was inaugurated in 1967. A community center followed in 1969. The church provides a family center. It also provides accommodation for the elderly. It provides an open door youth center.
Today, Heilig-Geist stands not only as a place of worship. It is a symbol of hope. It is a symbol of community strength. It is a landmark of faith. As part of the St. Clara parish, it continues to serve the people of Dortmund-Wellinghofen. Its doors are open to all.