Kreuzkirche

Ever wondered how a former ethnological museum could become a beacon of faith? Here at Bürgermeister-Martin-Donandt-Platz stands the Kreuzkirche, Bremerhaven’s first post-war church. This isn’t the first church to bear the name Kreuzkirche. The original Kreuzkirche was built in 1863 at the corner of Rampenstraße and Keilstraße. It was a modest structure, more chapel-like than church, especially when dwarfed by the neighboring St. Marien Catholic Church. This first Kreuzkirche was replaced in 1877 with a larger building on the same site. Sadly, this second Kreuzkirche was destroyed in a bombing raid in 1944 during World War II. The congregation then held services in classrooms, art rooms, and eventually the auditorium of the rebuilt Bürgermeister-Smidt-Schule. But the spirit of the Kreuzkirche community remained strong. In 1952, the former ethnological museum at Bürgermeister-Martin-Donandt-Platz was transformed into the third Kreuzkirche. This marked a new beginning, a symbol of resilience and hope for the city. The current Kreuzkirche, with its simple rectangular design and large arched portal, was designed by architects Fritz Berg and Hans Siegers. Inside, Bremerhaven artist Heinz Lilienthal created beautiful stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the bible. The accompanying community center, with its wide folding doors, allows for expanded space when needed. The “Old Hall” in the south wing retains its original open wooden beamed ceiling and charming stained-glass windows from 1952. The story of Kreuzkirche doesn’t end there. A freestanding tower and a “New Hall” were added in 1961-62, along with offices, group rooms, and staff apartments. A kindergarten completed the community center in 1972. A fire in 1983 damaged the community hall, necessitating renovations. Most recently, a family center opened in the community hall in 2012. The Kreuzkirche continues to be a vibrant part of Bremerhaven, a testament to the enduring power of faith and community.