Envision a tent. The Jakobuskirche stands before us as a symbol of a wandering people. It is a powerful reminder of faith’s journey. This church in Kassel carries a unique story. It reflects the Eichwald district’s growth after World War II.
After the war, the garden city of Eichwald expanded. People desired their own church. Before the Jakobuskirche, Bettenhausen’s pastors cared for the community. Then, Deaconess Martha Sachse arrived. She set up a small community room at Hirschbergstrasse 19.
In 1952, Eichwald got its own parish. A simple wooden building served as their church in 1954. The Swiss Aid Organization donated this “emergency church”. It had been used for the Marienkirche in Bettenhausen. That church was largely destroyed in the war. The wooden church served until the rebuilt Marienkirche opened on October 3, 1954. Eichwald celebrated their Swiss church’s dedication on December 5, 1954. A wooden bell tower was added in 1955.
Finally, on May 24, 1964, the foundation stone was laid. The Evangelical Church community of Kassel Bettenhausen built their new church. It was located at Umbachsweg 64. Pfarrer Hemmerling and his family moved into the adjacent parsonage in November 1963. Architects Kurt von Wild and Wolfgang Haeseler designed the church. Richard Ditzel managed the construction. Funds came from the Kassel church associations. The community members largely funded the bell.
The Jakobuskirche’s tent shape represents the wandering people of God. The freestanding, pillar-shaped bell tower is a key feature. The church is named after James the Elder, a disciple of Jesus. A 1.50-meter-high carved wooden figure depicts him. The Jakobuskirche was dedicated on October 16, 1966. Since 1999, a new wooden cross has dominated the altar area.
Today, the Jakobuskirche is part of the Evangelical Church communities in East Kassel. It includes Bettenhausen, Forstfeld, and Waldau. The Indonesian community and a women’s group regularly visit the community center. The church also works closely with the trombone choir.
The Jakobuskirche offers activities for all ages. There are playgroups and youth groups. They have confirmation classes and an active CVJM program. A well-managed library is available. The church offers Bible studies and community evenings. They host faith courses and senior afternoons. Lively community trips are also organized. Worship and faith connect the community. The Jakobuskirche remains a vital part of Kassel. Its doors are open.