Ever wondered why the Katholische Kirche Heilig Geist in Daxlanden stands out? The Katholische Kirche Heilig Geist is not just any church. It is the second largest Catholic church in Karlsruhe. Let’s step back in time to understand its story.
In the late 19th century, the Valentinskirche was too small for the growing Catholic population of Daxlanden. Expansion was impossible. So, they decided to build a second church despite limited funds. The opening of the Rhine harbor in 1901 brought more workers to Daxlanden. Many were drawn to social democracy. Church leaders wanted to create a counterforce.
In 1907, the community council narrowly approved using the old cemetery as a building site. Still, money was scarce. Everything changed when Daxlanden was integrated into Karlsruhe. The now larger Catholic population meant Karlsruhe qualified as a diaspora. This allowed significant funding from the Bonifatius-Verein. This organization supported Catholic minorities.
Construction of the Katholische Kirche Heilig Geist began in autumn 1910. Johannes Schroth designed it as a basilica. The cornerstone was laid in early June 1911 during Pentecost. The church was consecrated on October 27, 1912. Schroth defied the Church Building Authority’s preference for a neo-Romanesque basilica. While incorporating some elements, he included contemporary styles.
The asymmetrical ground plan is one such element. Another is the unusually high tower that measures 53 meters. Early features included a fresco by Otto Rünzi and statues of the twelve apostles. These stood on the supporting columns. A pulpit showed symbolic representations of the Mosaic Law tablets. Confessionals were placed in the side aisles. There was also a Pietà chapel and the Sacred Heart altar. A tombstone for deceased Daxlanden pastors was moved from the old cemetery. Also a cross from 1792 was placed before the sacristy.
During the first major renovation in the early 1960s, these features were kept. The pews remained too. Overall, the church became simpler to reflect modern tastes. In 1962, a statue of Mary by Gisela Bär was added. In 1964, the baptismal font that was created in 1773 for the Valentinskirche, was moved to the Katholische Kirche Heilig Geist’s baptismal chapel. Barbara Jäger and OMI Riesterer redesigned the altar area in 1981.
After Pentecost Sunday service in 2011, the Katholische Kirche Heilig Geist closed for renovations. Money had been collected for these works over the prior 20 years. The costs were estimated at around 1.45 million euros. Work was scheduled to last until autumn 2012. Heating, electrics, and lighting were replaced. The distance between the altar and congregation was reduced. The church interior was repainted. The arches above the windows, previously white, were painted dark blue. There was no money to renovate the organ. So, it was simply covered for protection.
Today, the Katholische Kirche Heilig Geist stands as a testament to faith. It also represents community spirit and architectural innovation. Before you leave, notice the Schlaucherbrunnen and the war memorial outside the church. These elements complement the Katholische Kirche Heilig Geist. They enrich its historical context.