The last Mass. A poignant memory lingers in the air. This is the Kirchturm St Theresia. It stands tall a silent witness to countless prayers. It has seen generations come and go.
The Kirchturm St Theresia is more than just a tower. It’s a symbol of a community. A community that gathered for decades within its shadow. The church itself was built in the late 1950s. It served as a place of worship. It provided solace for many years.
But times change. The church closed in 2022. Demolition and conversion followed. The building will soon house a new daycare center. A youth center will also have space there. A new chapel will remain. It will preserve a space for prayer. This isn’t the end though. The spirit of St Theresia will live on.
The transformation is significant. Yet the Kirchturm St Theresia remains. It stands strong. Its presence is unwavering. It will continue to watch over the neighborhood. Its spire reaches towards heaven a beacon of hope and remembrance.
The architect Ansgar Rebbelmund planned the change. The project took eighteen months. The church’s interior will be quite different. Two new floors were added. Side wings expanded. It allows for a five-group daycare center downstairs. Upstairs there is space for youth groups and others. The existing three-group daycare St Theresia will grow significantly. They’ll be able to provide care for children under three. The number of children will approximately double after the transformation.
The removal of the organ and stained-glass windows was an important step. All liturgical items were also taken away. The creation of a new chapel is vital for the community. It will be used by the daycare and school children. The design offers a spacious feel. This is due to the chapel’s height which spans two floors.
The parish of St Lambertus has experience with church conversions. They’ve already transformed two other churches in the area. The transformation of St Theresia is quite different though. There is great support for the project. The future of this place is secured. The Kirchturm St Theresia stands as a testament to adaptation. It’s a symbol of hope for the future. It reminds us of the enduring faith of a community.