The imposing tower of Helleruplund Kirke pierces the sky. Its copper-clad spire gleams.
Helleruplund Kirke isn’t just a church. It’s a testament to resilience. It’s the second largest church in the Diocese of Helsingør. It boasts over 600 seats. Construction began in the shadow of World War II. Building materials were scarce. The project faced significant delays.
Initially proposed in 1940 the dream of a new church in the Bernstorffsvej area finally gained momentum in 1942. A committee formed. A site was secured. Nørup-Nielsen the chaplain from Hellerup Church. He became the first pastor of Helleruplund Kirke. He also suggested the church’s name. It refers to the property at Bernstorffsvej 98.
Helleruplund Parish separated from Hellerup Dyssegård and Gentofte in 1949. A temporary wooden church stood on the site. It had been salvaged from the Knivholdt Camp in Frederikshavn.
Finally in the early 1950s plans for a permanent church were revived. Arthur Wittmaack and Vilhelm Hvalsøe designed the magnificent structure we see today. They built it with red brick on a granite base. The foundation stone was laid in 1956 by Bodil Koch. The church was inaugurated that same year. The temporary church became a parish hall until a new one was built.
The clock in the 42-meter-tall tower? A gift from the Superfoss CEO Vonsild. The bells? A donation from A.P. Møller og hustru Chastine McKinney Møllers Fond. Even the details speak of community support and generosity.
The main entrance is striking. It’s a granite portal beneath a carved cross. Inside the chancel four stunning glass paintings by Poul-Henrik Jensen captivate visitors. They were created in 1959 and 1966. The brickwork itself is exceptional. The same masons who worked on Grundtvigskirken built Helleruplund Kirke. Their skill is evident in the beautiful vaulted ceilings.
Helleruplund Kirke stands tall. It represents not only faith but also the enduring spirit of a community. It overcame adversity to create something truly beautiful and lasting. A true testament to community perseverance.