Imagine a time long ago. The Katolsk-Apostolske kirke stands before you. It is more than just bricks and mortar. It represents a story of faith that began in Denmark in 1838.
The Katolsk-Apostolske kirke here on the corner of Gyldenløvesgade and Nørre Søgade. It is a testament to a unique religious movement. This church might soon be gone. But its history is still alive.
In 1869, land was purchased for 7285 rigsbankdaler. That is about 630 square meters. The cornerstone was laid in October 1870. By July 1871, the Katolsk-Apostolske kirke was complete. It opened on August 1, 1871. The church was designed by John Belcher & Son from London. Emanuel Christie Fleischer oversaw the construction.
The Katolsk-Apostolske kirke cost about 17000 rigsbankdaler. That equals about 50000 kroner in 1900. The Katolsk-Apostolske kirke features English Neo-Gothic style. It has a long nave and a narrower chancel. The building measures 116 feet in length. A small tower with a spire sits at the gable facade facing Gyldenløvesgade.
Inside the Katolsk-Apostolske kirke there is a pointed barrel vault. A side chapel is separated by arches and a column. Opposite, you would have seen the pulpit. An old granite baptismal font came from Torup Kirke. An organ loft is above the entrance. The tower once housed a porter’s lodge. Three sacristies are in a side building.
Originally, the Katolsk-Apostolske kirke was yellow with red bands. In 1894, it was painted entirely red. Later, it returned to yellow with red bands. Recent repaints have kept it completely yellow.
The ground beneath the Katolsk-Apostolske kirke was soft. So, workers built it on a foundation of brushwood and oak beams. This foundation needed constant moisture. Lowering groundwater levels caused the church to sink slightly. In the 1960s, a complete underpinning became necessary. This happened gradually from 1966 to 1968.
The large rosette facing Gyldenløvesgade was removed in 1984-85. Its cement frame had deteriorated. The Technological Institute examined the original frame. It was an early example of cement work in Denmark.
The Katolsk-Apostolske kirke’s organ dates from 1921. Marcussen & Søn made it in Aabenraa. It had 22 voices after a 1931 expansion. Initially, the church was heated by large inefficient stoves. Central heating with a coke furnace was installed in 1924. In 1943, it switched to district heating.
The future of the Katolsk-Apostolske kirke is uncertain. According to the religious community, it should stay silent. It can only be used to prepare for Christ’s return. Otherwise, it must be torn down and its contents burned. But for now, it is well-maintained.
The Katolsk-Apostolske kirke. It arose from a movement expecting Christ’s return. Edward Irving, a Scottish presbyterian founded it in 1832. Members were called Irvingians. The church organized itself like the early church. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors each had roles. High church services resembled Roman Catholic masses. Speaking in tongues and prophecies marked its charismatic origin.
The last priest died in London in 1971. Without priests, services could not continue. The Katolsk-Apostolske kirke no longer functions as a community. It came to Denmark in the 1850s. The Copenhagen congregation founded in 1861. They made this their main church.
The Katolsk-Apostolske kirke stands here. It waits. It reminds us of a past faith.