Himmelfahrtskirche

Did the Himmelfahrtskirche always grace this spot? No. A smaller church once stood here, mentioned as far back as 1362. This earlier church held a prominent position in Leuben, being the only one between Dresden and Dohna. Imagine a village clustered around this church, with a pond out front and the pastor’s house nearby. But Leuben grew. By the late 19th century, the small church could no longer accommodate the burgeoning population. So, in 1897, the decision was made to build anew. The Himmelfahrtskirche, as we see it today, was designed by Karl Emil Scherz. The cornerstone was laid in 1899. The church was consecrated on Ascension Day, May 16, 1901. The old church was largely demolished. Only the tower remains, a silent witness to Leuben’s growth. The Himmelfahrtskirche stands as a testament to the changing times, a blend of architectural styles. Its neo-Gothic exterior, with the 75-meter tower flanked by four turrets, recalls the 13th century. Inside, the soaring arches of the nave support a ribbed vault. Look closely at the murals. They incorporate elements of Art Nouveau, a nod to the artistic trends of the early 20th century. These murals were likely designed by Scherz himself and painted by Julius Schultz. The colors harmonize with the stained glass, created by Alexander Linnemann. The Himmelfahrtskirche’s rich interior tells a story of its own. Notice the altar, crafted from Cottaer sandstone. And the baptismal font, a survivor from the old church, dating back to 1610. It’s over a meter tall, shaped like a Roman glass. Inscriptions adorn its sides, biblical verses speaking of baptism and faith. Even the epitaph of Hans von Dehn-Rothfelser found its way here, relocated from the old Frauenkirche in Dresden. And listen. The church has remarkable acoustics. It houses a magnificent Eule organ, originally installed in 1901. It has undergone several renovations, most recently in 2006, to restore its original romantic sound. The Himmelfahrtskirche continues to serve the community, hosting services, baptisms, weddings. Its doors are open, a welcoming space for both worship and the appreciation of art and music.