Curious about a slice of England nestled in Weimar? The Kreuzkirche stands before us. It is a testament to Weimar’s international connections.
Originally, the Kreuzkirche wasn’t German at all. It was built for Weimar’s English community in the late 19th century. Many English scholars, artists and intellectuals made Weimar their home. They felt deeply connected to the city. They loved German language, culture and the Weimar Classicism movement. These English residents wanted their own place of worship.
In 1899, their dream came true. The church was consecrated. It was named Saint Michael and all Angels. The Kreuzkirche was designed by Weimar architect Rudolf Zapfe. He used the Perpendicular style. This style reflects late Gothic architecture from England. Think of Canterbury Cathedral. Zapfe mirrored the feel of a small English church.
Take a closer look at the Kreuzkirche. Notice its unique architectural details. This Perpendicular style is rare in Germany. The church’s exterior remains largely unchanged since its construction. The Kreuzkirche offered a familiar spiritual home to the English.
However, the church’s story took a turn with World War I. The English residents were considered enemies. They had to leave Weimar and Germany. Saint Michael and all Angels became deserted.
In 1928, the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Weimar acquired the building. They renamed it Kreuzkirche meaning Church of the Cross. Since then, it has been a vital part of Weimar’s religious life. The Kreuzkirche was reconsecrated on September 30, 1928.
Over the years, the Kreuzkirche has seen several changes. In 1962, a bell tower was added. It houses five bronze bells. These bells were made by Franz Schilling Söhne from Apolda. In 1999, a community center was built in the church garden.
The Kreuzkirche’s interior was remodeled in the 1970s. Architect Klaus Kaufmann and sculptor Friedrich Press redesigned the space. The redesign included a suspended coffered ceiling. It also featured flexible seating and underfloor heating. Gottfried Schüler, a Weimar artist, designed the windows. Anneliese Jährling created the paraments and a wall hanging.
Inside the Kreuzkirche, you will find an organ. It was originally built in 1954. Gerhard Kirchner, an organ builder from Weimar, created it. Alexander Schuke rebuilt the organ in 1989. It now has 16 registers across two manuals and a pedal.
A restoration project in 2008 and 2009 aimed to restore the interior. The goal was to revive its 1928 appearance. The barrel vault from that era was uncovered. This revealed the window rosette above the entrance wall. A new baptismal bell was installed on the roof turret.
Today, the Kreuzkirche is a vibrant church. It has an active community. It hosts diverse services and events. These include Anglican services and family church gatherings. The Kreuzkirche is also known for its music. The Kantorei choir performs regularly. The Posaunenchor brass band adds to the church’s musical life. The Kreuzkirche hosts concerts. It also has a lively community center and garden. The garden is used for events. The Christmas nativity play is a beloved tradition.
So, as we stand here, remember the Kreuzkirche’s journey. It transformed from an English church to a Lutheran one. It is a place of worship, music, and community. It is a testament to Weimar’s past and present.