“Can you hear it?” I ask. That’s the echo of Essen’s history resonating within the walls of the Kreuzeskirche. This isn’t just a church. It is a testament to Essen’s resilience. Let’s step inside and unravel its story.
The Kreuzeskirche stands on Weberplatz. It is an Evangelical church constructed between 1894 and 1896. August Orth designed it. Orth was inspired by Berlin’s Dankeskirche. Sadly, the Dankeskirche was destroyed in World War II.
Essen’s population boomed during industrialization. Workers poured in. They needed jobs in mining and steel. Most were Protestants from Prussia. This surge triggered the need for another grand church. The Kreuzeskirche was planned to meet this demand.
Interestingly, this sacred ground has deeper roots. The Kreuzeskirche stands where the Hof Aschebroch once stood. Documents mention this estate as far back as the 14th century. Some believe its remains still lie beneath our feet.
Construction received massive support. Donations flowed in from Essen’s citizens and organizations. On Reformation Day, October 31, 1894, the cornerstone was laid. That day also marked the arrival of Pastor Wilhelm Weigle.
By October 1895, the iron roof was complete. The Essen firm, August Feldhüsen, built it. This roof did more than cover. It anchored the walls. This clever design countered damage from ground movement.
Empress Auguste Victoria inaugurated the Kreuzeskirche on December 1, 1896. She gifted a Bible with a personal inscription. The total cost was around 300000 Mark. The church showcased Romanesque elements. It had a Latin cross layout. A three-story tower stood on the west side. Two round buildings were added near the entrance. They served as gathering spots for baptism and wedding parties.
The Kreuzeskirche could seat almost 1500 people. Red bricks formed the walls. Sandstone from the Nahe and Ruhr regions added detail. The side aisles were narrow. This design emphasized the hall-like feel of the nave. Straight rows of benches filled the main floor. Additional seats lined a gallery on three sides.
Karl Funke and Katharina Funke funded the first bell. Their names were inscribed. This honored their memory. Electric lighting replaced gas in 1907. The organ also received electric power.
Tragedy struck on May 28, 1943. An air raid reduced the Kreuzeskirche to outer walls. The interior was consumed by flames. Yet, some treasures survived. The wooden altar and the neo-Romanesque cross remained.
The Essener Bachchor called the Kreuzeskirche home. After the war, they moved to the Erlöserkirche. Reconstruction started in 1949. It finished in March 1953. The side galleries were not rebuilt. The reconsecration happened on November 8, 1953.
Since 1987, the Kreuzeskirche is a protected monument. Restoration became vital. In 1994, the interior was renovated. This was part of a labor project. The Kreuzeskirche then hosted events, exhibitions, and concerts.
In 2013, the church faced challenges. Rainer Alt, a builder, bought the Kreuzeskirche. He renovated it and leased it to the church and others.
Pop artist James Rizzi designed new windows in 2016. These added unique color. In January 2023, the Kreuzeskirche hosted a boxing match. Originally, the Kreuzeskirche featured an organ by Wilhelm Sauer. Karl Schuke built a new organ in 1968. It boasts 70 registers and four manuals. It is the largest Protestant church organ in the Ruhr area.
So, as you stand before the Kreuzeskirche, remember its layers. It’s a church, a stage, and a symbol. It embodies Essen’s spirit.