“Why concrete?” someone once asked about Hendriksholm Kirke. Hendriksholm Kirke stands as a testament to modern church architecture. It is located in Rødovre. The church is near Damhus Boulevard. Hendriksholm Kirke is surrounded by residential buildings.
Hendriksholm Kirke’s story began long before its construction. In 1943 a collection started to fund its building. From 1951 services were held in Hendriksholm Skole’s assembly hall. Finally Hendriksholm Kirke was built. It was inaugurated on November 19 1961.
The foundation stone was laid on Great Prayer Day May 13 1960. The chosen verse was from James 1:17. It says “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” The ceremony was performed by several important people. These included then Prime Minister Kampmann Bishop Fuglsang-Damgaard and Rødovre parish council chairman Skjellerup.
Richard Jessen designed the church and its interior. Palle Bruun created the altar window and other windows in the church room. The altar window measures 2.4×4.2 meters. Its motif features reinforced concrete adorned with gold pins. A sun with Christ’s monogram sits above a seven-branched candlestick. This symbolizes the New Testament resting on the Old Testament. This is based on Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:17. Behind the candlestick in the mosaic window is a bowl. It symbolizes reception and prayer fulfilled by God’s love.
Above the interior church door hangs a bronze relief. It depicts the risen Christ. Sculptor Ernst Eberlein created the relief in 1979. The church itself is built of concrete insulated with cork and Leca.
The bell tower stands 24 meters tall. A cross at the top is illuminated at night. The church bell bears an inscription. It is the second verse of C.J. Brandt’s hymn.
The organ was designed by architect Viggo Boesen. It has 22 voices. Organ builder C. Christiansen made it. The organ was inaugurated on Ascension Day 1969.
Hendriksholm Kirke is considered Denmark’s first Protestant church built in concrete. The church’s forecourt reflects the church facade’s materials and geometry. White concrete bands mark the facade. They create a pattern in the pavement. These bands also structurally lock the pavement. Discrete cross motifs decorate the church tower. Dark concrete paving stones form these crosses in the light concrete. The central entrance area features a cross-shaped dark pavement.
An existing oak tree stands in front of the church. It will be replaced with a new oak. The church uses the fish as a symbol. A fish-shaped water basin once stood in front. Now a perennial bed with a fish motif exists. Discretely marked fish are pressed into the white concrete bands. These fish lead toward the church entrance. The project was inaugurated December 22 2019. Hendriksholm Kirke blends old and new. It combines traditional church style with modern materials.