Luther-Kirche

Is it possible for a church to rise from the ashes, not once, but twice? Here at the Luther-Kirche in Dortmund, the answer is a resounding yes. This isn’t just a building of brick and stone. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of faith, rebuilt not once, but twice, each time grander and more inspiring than before. The first church in Asseln, a modest wooden structure, is mentioned as early as 1059. By 1250, a stone church replaced it, marking Asseln’s growth and ambition. This early structure, small but significant, held around 60 worshippers. Further expansion came in the 14th century, incorporating a Romanesque tower, possibly older than the church itself, creating a combined structure of tower, nave, and choir. The industrial revolution brought an influx of people to Asseln, tripling the population. The Luther-Kirche, then in a state of disrepair, was too small. Architect Gustav Mucke was tasked with designing a new church. His plan initially faced resistance. The authorities insisted on preserving historical elements. Mucke revised his design, incorporating the existing tower and choir into a larger, neo-Gothic structure. The old Luther-Kirche was demolished in 1904, revealing the tower’s 30cm lean to the west. This lean was corrected, and the tower was further heightened, topped with a new copper-clad spire. Inside, the Luther-Kirche boasts vibrant Art Nouveau paintings by Otto Berg. A white limestone pulpit and baptismal font grace the choir. Three stained-glass windows depict key religious events. A wooden statue of Archangel Michael from the 14th century stands in the altar area. Look closely, and you’ll find two 16th-century stones displaying alliance and ancestral coats of arms. The Luther-Kirche even has a “Bourger-Krippe.” The church also houses not one, but two organs. The main organ, a 1906 creation by P. Furtwängler & Hammer, resides in the southern gallery. A smaller choir organ sits within a niche in the south wall. The Luther-Kirche houses a unique piece of history: the “Schlagglocke.” This bell, cast in 1649, was sold in 1915, thought lost, then rediscovered and returned to the church in 2005. Outside, the north side bears a war memorial, a roaring lion, commemorating those lost in both World Wars. The Luther-Kirche is more than just a place of worship. It’s a symbol of resilience and rebirth, a place where history whispers from every stone and the spirit of community continues to thrive.