Lukaskirche

Have you ever heard of a church named after a doctor? Here at the Lukaskirche, that’s exactly what we have. The Lukaskirche in Bonn-Castell stands as a testament to the post-World War II era. It was built in response to the influx of Protestant citizens. The church’s namesake, St. Luke, was believed to be a physician, a fitting tribute given the nearby Rheinische Kliniken hospital. The Lukaskirche isn’t just any church. Its architecture reflects the 1950s and 60s, with a nod to Castell’s Roman past. This square, greywacke church boasts unique stained-glass windows. These windows, created by Johannes Schreiter, depict three striking 80cm angels. The separate 35-meter tower isn’t just a standalone feature. It’s integrated into the Gemeindehaus community center to the south. This center plays a crucial role in the life of the Lukaskirche community. The church’s story began long before its construction in 1958. Initial plans for a Protestant church in this area date back to the mid-1930s. After the war, Bonn, once predominantly Catholic, saw a rise in its Protestant population. This growth was due to refugees and government employees. By 1950, construction of Protestant churches began across the city, culminating in the Lukaskirche’s dedication on the fourth Sunday of Advent in 1958. Even the bells of the Lukaskirche have a story to tell. Cast in 1969 by the Mabilon bell foundry in Saarburg, they bear inscriptions from the Lord’s Prayer. The largest bell, “DEIN NAME WERDE GEHEILIGT” (Hallowed be thy Name), is rung for funerals and special occasions. The medium bell, “DEIN REICH KOMME” (Thy kingdom come), calls for weekday services. The smallest, “DEIN WILLE GESCHEHE” (Thy will be done), joins the others only on Sundays and holidays. So, as you stand before the Lukaskirche, remember, it’s more than just stones and glass. It’s a symbol of resilience, community, and a nod to a beloved physician saint.