Imagine residents having to trek all the way to Gentofte Kirke. That was Hellerup before Hellerup Kirke. Today, we stand before Hellerup Kirke. It is a testament to community spirit and architectural vision.
Hellerup Kirke’s story begins with a need. Hellerup belonged to Gentofte Parish. The distance to Gentofte Kirke was quite a journey. In 1893, a temporary solution appeared. A church hall named Emaus opened on Sofievej. It served as a place of worship. But a proper church was needed.
Hellerup Kirke was inaugurated on October 14, 1900. The architect was Thorvald Jørgensen. He designed a beautiful space for the community. The church’s construction cost 86,007.87 kr. Generous donations covered almost two-thirds of this amount. A year later, on September 28, 1901, Hellerup became its own parish. It was separated from Gentofte Parish.
Look at the architecture. Hellerup Kirke showcases Historicism. You can see Romanesque features. It is not a slavish copy of a medieval church. The layout is that of a cross church. The chancel faces west. A 36-meter-high tower rises to the east. The main entrance is at the tower’s base.
Note the yellow brick. The building features white plasterwork. Decorative bands of limestone add detail. The roof is covered in red tiles. These were replaced in 1999. Originally, the church had a smaller chancel. This was replaced in 1918 with the larger one we see today.
Step inside and view the stained glass. C.N. Overgaard created the glass mosaic window in the chancel in 1900. Four stained-glass windows from 1918 depict the archangels. Johannes Kragh created these. Kragh also designed the rose windows. One is in the tower facing east from 1928. The other is in the southern transept from 1940.
Take note of the altar. Aksel Theilmann created the current altarpiece for the church’s 50th anniversary in 1950. It resembles a medieval winged altarpiece. The original altarpiece from 1900 featured a frame carved by Niels Larsen Stevns. It also included two paintings by Lorens Frølich. Both the frame and paintings are still in the church.
Consider the baptismal font. It is made of tin and polished brass. The font dates back to the church’s construction. Sigfried Wagner designed the font, basin, and ewer. Mogens Ballin’s workshop crafted them.
The pulpit also dates from 1900. The Marcussen organ was installed for the 50th anniversary. It boasts 33 voices.
Outside the Hellerup Kirke, changes have occurred too. The original parish hall from 1907 and the rectory from 1908 were torn down in the early 1980s. A new complex was built. Gehrdt Bornebusch designed it. The complex includes the parish hall which was inaugurated on September 16, 1984, a rectory, and a sexton’s residence. Later, it became a provost’s office also from 1984. The children’s center and youth center were added in 1986 and 1987.
Hellerup Kirke celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2000. A large donation made possible a new entrance with a ramp. It was inaugurated in June 2003.
Hellerup Kirke stands as a symbol. It embodies the faith and community spirit of Hellerup. It started with a need and grew into a landmark. It has touched countless lives over the years. As we leave, remember the journey of Hellerup Kirke. It is a testament to faith, art, and community.