Marvelous isn’t it? This is Johannes-Kirche. Johannes-Kirche stands proudly in Hamburg’s Rotherbaum quarter. It wasn’t always here though.
The Johannes-Kirche story begins in 1879. A new parish was formed. Dr Monckeberg a future mayor led the parish council. They chose Wilhelm Hauers design. His neo-Gothic vision won over seven other proposals. Construction was swift. Johannes-Kirche rose between 1880 and 1882.
Johannes-Kirche is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture. Hauers design followed the 1861 Eisenacher Regulativ. This ensured a complete neo-Gothic style. Everything from the pews to the organ reflects this. The terrazzo floor and frescoes are stunning. Even the spires are remarkable. The main spire reaches 80 meters. It’s a beacon visible across Hamburg especially at night.
The altar is the heart of Johannes-Kirche. It’s wood-carved and gold-plated. The Hamburg sculptor Neuber created it. He depicted Jesus three times. One is a copy of Leonardo da Vinci’s Communion. The words “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavily laden and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28 are inscribed there. Above the Holy Communion there are crucifixion scenes a reproduction of Tilmann Riemenschneider’s work. Finally on the pediment Jesus is shown resurrected. Above the altar Jesus is shown as the Lord holding the keys and the Book of Life.
The stained glass windows are another highlight. They were made in Innsbruck Austria. The artists were from the Nazarene group. They depict a biblical cycle. The windows begin on the left with Old Testament scenes. They move to the Christmas window at the crossing then the images of Christ in the choir. The Pentecost window follows. The cycle ends with New Testament scenes. Protective windshields keep them brilliantly vibrant.
The original organ from Marcussen und Sohn was installed in 1882. It’s been altered several times. Furtwangler&Hammer of Hannover made the last major change in 1933. Today it’s a three manual instrument. It has 49 registers and 3494 pipes. After the war it was Hamburg’s only usable concert organ. It was renovated in the 1970s. A new electronic playing table was added in 1974. The organ now plays everything from pre-baroque to modern music.
Johannes-Kirche stands as a testament to Hamburg’s rich history and architectural skill. Its beauty and intricate details are a treasure. Come marvel at the detail. Let the history of Johannes-Kirche wash over you.